A READING FC fan has succeeded in his bid to collect every shirt the Royals have played in since he was born.
With the help of the club’s fanbase, Miles Wood-Blagrove now owns every home and away jersey from the 1998-99 season.
One particular shirt was acquired through a five-way chain of trades.
He explained: “It’s interesting, I grew up as a Reading fan but only really got a few shirts here and there using paper round money.
“It was only when lockdown started that I actively began looking for the odd one if it was available.”
The software engineer eventually compiled a list and realised he was only missing a handful.
Facebook Marketplace and eBay initially came to his aid, although several older shirts proved more challenging to track down.
Miles took to online fan forums, a move which ultimately helped to achieve his goal.
“Once you found someone who had the kit you wanted, it was actually pretty easy to get hold of,” he said.
“When people found out I was trying to complete a challenge, they were really helpful. At the end of the day, we’re all Reading fans.”
The loyal Royal is especially fond of his four match-worn shirts, which he has framed and now take pride of place in his bedroom.
One of these was worn during a particularly memorable match during the club’s 150th anniversary season.
Defender Tom McIntyre netted a 95th minute equaliser in a frenetic 4-4 draw at the Select Car Leasing Stadium last year.
The point helped Reading retain Championship status, and Miles was able to get his hands on the very shirt McIntyre wore that day.
“It was a big game in our survival push last year, so it definitely holds a lot of meaning,” Miles said.
“To get hold of that shirt involved a really long hunt because [McIntyre] initially gave it away through the charity Kixx.
“I actually knew the person who won it and we ended up doing a long line of swaps which turned into a five-person trade.”
Perhaps the most unique shirt in his collection is one potentially no other Reading fan owns.
Miles said: “I have one that was worn during pre-season in Holland before the 2017-18 season.
“The actual kit hadn’t been released yet, so they had a mock one with just the numbers on the back. I’ve never met someone who’s got that one.
“They were worn in four matches on the tour and I know it was worn by Liam Kelly, and I think Andy Rinomhota also played in it.
“I looked back at the pictures and footage from the game but it’s really hard to make out.”
Since 1998, the aesthetic of football kits has changed dramatically, with materials and styles moving with the times.
Miles took time to list his top three kits based on appearance, declaring a preference for the retro feel of both collared and long sleeve shirts.
“I really like the one from the 1998-99 season, which has a collar, the new crest and Auto Trader sponsor. I also liked the anniversary shirt, the club did a great job with it,” he said.
“The Macron away shirt from 2019-20 was really special. I was able to get the NHS version, and as my mum works for the NHS, it also means something to me.
“I managed to get that one signed by the team.”
The millennial has also used his hobby to discover more about the club’s history.
Through collecting shirts, Miles has learned about former players, managers and the move from Elm Park to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Miles cited Jobi McAnuff as his favourite player, speaking highly of the former skipper’s disposition on the occasions he has met him.
He also recalled a heartwarming interaction with midfielder James Harper, who was part of the club’s record-breaking 2005-06 squad which secured promotion to the Premier League.
“James Harper is the first pro I ever met and I actually played football with him too,” he said.
“He used to play with a friend of ours at Hayes & Yeading, who sadly passed away a few years ago.
“We organised a charity match in his honour and invited James to it. He was delighted to be invited.
“I played and warmed up with him. It was big for me; I’ve got the 2007-08 shirt from when we were in the Premier League with his name on the back.”
Miles believes Reading fosters a healthier culture with their kits than other clubs.
With some of the country’s most recognised teams charging in excess of £100, he praised the 2021-22 shirt’s £50 price tag, labelling it “more affordable”.
The fan also spoke on the impact shirt sponsors can have on the sentiment behind a kit.
He said: “It can go a bit overboard. When you see some shirts which are covered in sponsors’ logos, it just takes away from the shirt’s and club’s identity.”
Miles’ love of football shirts is not exclusive to Reading. The aficionado also boasts some England and Barnsley jerseys, the latter being his grandfather’s team.
“When I go away to places, I also like to see if I can get a shirt,” he said.
“I was in Rome recently so I picked up an AS Roma shirt. I have Barcelona and New York Red Bulls shirts too.”
