FORMER Royals' skipper Graeme Murty is aiming to prove himself all over again with Southampton, but he is relishing one final appearance in Reading’s glorious “106” team on Monday week.
Although he is fully focused on his current trial at Coca Cola League One side Southampton, Murty’s testimonial gives the Madejski Stadium faithful a chance to say goodbye to their former favourite and the side that set a record 106 points to win the Championship in 2006.
“I will be delighted to get the boys in, it will be superb and great to see,” said Murty. “When you look at that team, I have never seen a side that gelled so well and it is great that we can come back and celebrate it.
“Hopefully, it will capture the imagination of the fans and it will be a chance for the players to show their appreciation to the fans for so many years of support.”
Murty, who gave 11 years service to Reading before leaving in the summer after his contract was not renewed, will line-up in the “106” team managed by Steve Coppell’s former number two Kevin Dillon and packed with old players from that era, against a current team led by new boss Brendan Rodgers.
Steve Sidwell, Nicky Shorey and Leroy Lita are among the names pencilled in for an emotional return to the Madejski Stadium on Monday, Juy 20, with kick-off at 8pm.
But until that time Murty will be concentrating on getting himself fit - and he could be a Saint when he returns to the Madejski Stadium if his trial stint at Southampton continues to go well.
“I do not want to commit to anything yet, it is up in the air at the moment, but Southampton have been gracious enough to let me get my fitness up in pre-season.
“Southampton is a fantastic option, the project excites me, they have a young team that possibly needs some experience. It is a massive club and I have the mindset that I want to prove myself all over again.”
A proportion of the proceeds from the testimonial will go to Swings and Smiles, the charity that Murty has helped to support over the years with the aim of providing a recreational facility for children with special needs in West Berkshire.

Click on the link below for your chance to win tickets to Murty's testimonial.