Supporters of Reading FC have announced that the original leaders of the fan group Club 1871 are stepping aside to allow new people to take the organisation forward.
In a series of tweets, Club 1871 paid tribute to the early founders, saying they had put “years of hard work, graft and sacrifice” into building the group, which has been a key part of the club’s matchday atmosphere.
The tweets highlighted memorable moments over the years, including a last-minute equaliser against Nottingham Forest and the team’s match against Wigan, as well as standing in solidarity with the stadium during moments of tension with the club’s ownership.
“Those moments were never just about football. They were about belonging. About finding your people. About turning strangers into lifelong friends,” the group said.
Club 1871 emphasised that the fan group is not ending, but entering a new chapter. The organisers said they were actively seeking new people to take over, build on what has been created, and continue to drive the group forward.
The group also reaffirmed the importance of the stand where Club 1871 is based, calling it “a huge part of the atmosphere and identity of the club” and expressing hope that its spirit would continue to grow under new leadership.
“We may not have got it right 100% of the time, but we gave it a real good go,” the group said, thanking all those who had been involved since the start.
The announcement has been met with widespread support from Reading fans online, who praised Club 1871 for its role in creating a sense of community and a lively atmosphere at matches.
