READING FC players and coaching staff took over The Oracle on Tuesday afternoon as fans flocked in their hundreds to meet them.
Visitors young and old lined the length of the shopping centre’s top floor, waiting to get their photos taken and shirts signed by their heroes.
The club’s vice-captain, Tom Holmes, said: “It’s a really good day. [There are] a lot of kids here, especially during half-term. It’s good to see some happy faces and nice that we’ve started well this season.
“It’s really important to reach out to the next generation of Reading fans, connect with them and get them through the gates into the stadium. We do feel it, it’s good for the whole community.”
Holmes came through the club’s academy and reminisced fondly about going to a similar event at the training ground.
The centre-back praised the squad’s collective spirit, with all but Tom McIntyre and Ovie Ejaria in attendance.
Rahul Gupta, 18, was delighted by the event. He said: “It was brilliant, it was a really good experience. I’ve followed Reading since such a young age so it was really good to see the players.
“I was really excited to see Paul Ince and Lucas Joao the most. The event was well-received and I think the fans really enjoyed seeing their idols. Getting a photo means so much.
Rahul hopes the side can consolidate their strong start to the season and push for promotion to the Premier League.
