READING FC fans met their heroes on Wednesday afternoon as the club’s headline sponsor held a promotion for sustainable driving.
Select Car Leasing staff were joined at the Oracle by Royals stars Tom McIntyre, Jokull Andresson, Lily Woodham and Deanna Cooper.
Positioned at the west side of Holy Brook Walk, the company’s leasing consultants engaged with shoppers, most of whom were drawn by a display Volkswagen ID.4.
Select’s Head of Marketing Ben Taylor, said: “It’s great to get down to the local Reading area. The aim of what we’re doing here, alongside Reading, is to develop people’s awareness of sustainability, taking a sustainable approach to life.
“We’ve invested a significant amount of money into promoting electric vehicles. It’s really important that we take this message to the community.
“What Reading FC are doing with the university is a critical element for us in terms of partnering with them on the right footing, with the right sorts of vehicles. With the ID.4, it’s an amazing illustration of where we can go with mobility today.”
The players immersed themselves in the occasion, speaking to and taking selfies with passing fans.
They also took the opportunity to encourage fans to visit the Select Car Leasing stadium for both men’s and women’s fixtures this season.
Hometown favourite McIntyre, said: “I think there’s been a lot of interest in the car. With the Reading link, it’s good to be down here and meet a few fans. It’s been an enjoyable afternoon.
“I think Reading’s quite a close-knit town. There’s a lot of fans who value the club a lot and [going to matches] is one of the highlights of the week so I think it’s massive to keep that bond really close.
“I never really mind coming down and meeting people. I remember when I was a fan as well, it was always special seeing players, so it’s nice to be on the other side of that now.”
Icelandic international goalkeeper Andresson consolidated his teammate’s sentiments, saying: “It’s a great privilege, a great honour. I’ve been here for eight years now and my love for this club has never changed, I will always be a Royal. It’s a real honour for me and my family.”
Defensive duo Cooper and Woodham spoke highly of both the afternoon and their affinity with Reading.
“It’s been really lovely,” Woodham said.
“Me and [Deanna] have been around with leaflets and been meeting all the fans who have given us massive support in the games. It’s been really fun.”
Cooper expressed her gratitude to the role the club has played in her career thus far, saying: “I’ve been here for two years, just signed a new deal, so [I’m] really happy about that,” she explained.
“[I’m] excited for the future and what the next two years is going to bring. The club has helped me to fall back in love with football and that’s the main reason why I ended up signing for another two years.”
The event garnered impromptu hysteria on social media, as Reading FC announced the signing of long-term transfer target Shane Long.
Select’s event announcement teased the appearance of ‘special guests’, with many of the Royals faithful assuming Long would be unveiled at the Oracle.
In response, the car leasing company tweeted: “We know you are Longing for someone specific… But we’re expecting to host Tom McIntyre, Jokull Andresson, Deanna Cooper and Lily Woodham down at the Oracle this afternoon.”
