Reading to begin Rob Couhig era with Hungerford Town friendly, as new signing prepares for first appearance

A huge crowd is expected at Bulpit Lane on Saturday, as Reading FC’s first team face Hungerford Town in a pre-season friendly.

The match kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 5th July, with doors opening from 1pm.

Due to a big surge in demand the event is now ticketed only, so you can’t buy tickets on the gate

There are still a few available online though, at just £7 for adults and £4 for under-16s.

To buy tickets, visit wegottickets.com/HungerfordTownFC

The SkyBet League One outfit will arrive at their West Berkshire neighbours’ ground for their first match of pre-season, with a number of stars expected to be on show.

The squad returned to training last week, with key players such as Joel Pereira, Andre Garcia, Andy Yiadom, Charlie Savage and Lewis Wing all returning for the new season.

Fans will likely have the chance to see a new signing in action too, after Irish centre-back Paudie O'Connor became the first signing of the Rob Couhig era.

New goalkeeper Jack Stevens could make an appearance too, while it’s also likely that a number of trialists could be given a chance for the Royals as they look to bolster a very thin squad.

Hungerford are in good company alongside Reading’s other pre-season opponents.

They’ll face Gillingham and Swindon after their Bulpit Lane test, before welcoming Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspur to the Select Car Leasing Stadium, in one of Thomas Frank’s first matches as boss.

They’ll also face SkyBet Championships sides Oxford United and Portsmouth to prepare for the start of the season.