SIR John Madejski paid a heartwarming tribute to Reading FC fans for the support they have shown him during the past 25 years.

Madejski clocked up a quarter-of-a-century as Royals chairman today and wasted no time in thanking those who have been with him along the way.

“I just want to say that, without the fans, we have nothing,” stated the Autotrader founder.

“I hope the fans appreciate what we’re trying to achieve at Reading.

“I know the supporters reasonably well now; they come here to watch a game of football and hopefully to watch Reading win. That is all they want.”

He added: “We all want Reading to win. Sometimes, it’s not as easy as all that. But that’s what every fan wants and I don’t blame them, because that is what they’ve paid their hard-earned cash to come and see.

“Football here takes them to another place. After the final whistle, they can go back to all the trials and tribulations of life, but for 90 minutes they can be in a different place and I respect that.

“And all I want to do is thank each and every one of them from the bottom of my heart, for the support they’ve given me and the support they’ve given Reading Football Club.”

 


Madejski features heavily in Royals' matchday programme produced for Thursday's televised Championship clash against Queens Park Rangers (8pm ko, live Sky Sports).

The 74-year-old is fondly regarded as the man who saved Reading from going out of business when he came to the rescue on December 1, 1990.

 


Royals, then languishing in the lower reaches of the old Third Division and with poor attendances at Elm Park, were struggling to cope with spiralling debts, forcing former owner Roger Smee to put the club and all 20 of its playing staff up for sale.

That is when Madejski stepped in and bought a controlling share to save the club from falling into the hands of receivers, stating at the time: “I owe a lot to Reading and I’m proud of it – I just want to make my own contribution.”

 


It led to the most successful period in the club's history as a move to Madejski Stadium in 1998 was followed by promotion to the Premier League for the very first time under Steve Coppell in 2006.

 

 


Madejski no longer bankrolls the Royals, who are now in the hands of Thai owners, but he remains the club's co-chairman alongside Lady Sasima Srivikorn and is the most recognisable face around the town.

Madejski will lead the two teams out on Thursday and place the match ball in the centre circle to mark his 25 years at the helm.