GROUND HISTORY TRAVEL

Reading enjoyed something of a fairytale rise into the Premier League in recent years, rewarding chairman Sir John Madejski's years of investment in the team. Part of that ascent in the last two decades involved a move to the state-of-the-art Madejski Stadium off the M4 motorway, which replaced Elm Park - the club's home since the late 19th century.

The Royals had humble non-league beginnings that included being a founder member of the Southern League. In 1920, the club was elected into the Football League and helped to found Division Three South. During the 1930s, title success eluded them on few occasions and they remained in the same division until reorganisation in 1958 saw them placed in Division Three.

The following years brought a gradual ascent up the pyramid; chequered by the odd couple of years yo-yoing between divisions. Promotion to the Premier League remains their highest achievement and an 8th place finish was credible to say the least. However, sustaining their presence in the top flight proved a step too far and they were relegated in 2008.

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