Players at Reading who you had completely forgotten about

[bakerlou]

Mark McKeever

I remember him playing in the 4-0 win away at Stoke (I thought he scored two, but the website says only one), and I thought he was going to tear up the league, but he quickly disappeared into non-league.

Looking at his Wikipedia page, I read why: "However, over the following weeks, Stoke full-back Jason Kavanagh made a full catalogue of Division Two wingers look like Best at his peak."

Jason Kavanagh scored a OG for Reading whilst playing for Derby County, in a 1-0 win (well, a loss for him) at Elm Park in 1994/5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbmCnFElD2c

BUT

the most memorable thing about that day

You're going to have to remind me Papes, WTF was all that about?

[Ark Royal]

Ian Porterfield. Ex-Sunderland FA Cup-winning legend had a short loan spell in 1976 before becoming manager in 1989.

[West F]

Peter Castle l believe still hold the record for Readings youngest ever player. We were 3-0 up away at Watford. He came on for the final 15 minutes. He never played professional football again. And yet his name is on the board of acadamy players who played for the first team. With the like of Gylfie,Long and Olisie.

Bonuses were paid to the academy staff for players who went on to make first team appearances, not necessarily careers for the club. Players also receive bonuses for appearing on the bench, even if they do not get on during the match. It can lead to some ‘manipulation’ of match day squads by the manager and some strange substitutions. Managers will take youngsters for the experience it provides but, Patton’s appearance on the bench would have meant bonuses were paid to him and probably the scout who brought him in after Tuesday night.

[stealthpapes]

Jason Kavanagh scored a OG for Reading whilst playing for Derby County, in a 1-0 win (well, a loss for him) at Elm Park in 1994/5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbmCnFElD2c

BUT

the most memorable thing about that day

You're going to have to remind me Papes, WTF was all that about?

I am not sure this helps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCa7VUAiAYo&t=87s

Uri Geller decided to do a HT mind trick, giving every fan in the seats coloured cards. He thought of a colour and got the fans to hold up the cards.
It went about as well as you could expect.

Had no idea SJM was involved. Disappointing that the video doesn't show the reveal after which derision poured down from the Southbank in a way only the Southbank could do.

[Sanguine]

Not 'forgotten', but it seems bizarre to think that Emi Martinez, World Cup winner and two time Yashin Trophy winner, was our keeper only six years ago, given what he has fit in since then.

Tiago Ilori I had completely forgotten about. Signed by Liverpool as a future star, it didn't work out, thought he'd be a great signing in the Championship, but he rarely stood out. Played many more league games for Reading (53) than he has for anyone else. Currently at FC Dila, in the Georgian top tier.

[what_wind_turbine?]

And lets not forget Bongani Khumalo and Joao Virginia. I also keep forgetting we took Glen Murray on loan as well.

Who was they guy who had the nickname "The Beast" who came on as a substitute in his first game (might have been the first game of the season?) and scored a thunderbolt?

Mathieu Manset against Millwall at home on the opening day, possibly around 2011?

May be misremembering, but seem to remember signed around the same time was Cedric Baseya. A forward who didn't score a senior goal until 6+ years into his career

[stealthpapes]

And lets not forget Bongani Khumalo and Joao Virginia. I also keep forgetting we took Glen Murray on loan as well.

Who was they guy who had the nickname "The Beast" who came on as a substitute in his first game (might have been the first game of the season?) and scored a thunderbolt?

Mathieu Manset against Millwall at home on the opening day, possibly around 2011?

May be misremembering, but seem to remember signed around the same time was Cedric Baseya. A forward who didn't score a senior goal until 6+ years into his career

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcs4kk

[Forbury Lion]

Mario Noto is one I always remember (so technically not forgotten), simply because he was listed on the bench or squad at Millwall away and we all had no idea who he was.
0 First team appearances.

From Spurs I signed for Reading FC and played under Brendan Rodgers and Alan Padrew. I was involved with the first team squad regularly but did not make an appearance for the 1st team. Which I was gutted about as thought I deserved to be and I firmly believe if Alan Padrew did not depart for West Ham then things may have been different.

After Reading I had a 3 month trial with Crystal Palace which again I thought I was a tad unlucky not to get a deal but they had just been promoted to the prem and were able to sign players with more experience.
I went to Italy for a period of time after Palace to 1. Clear my head as I was disillusioned with the game as I was always an honest player that worked hard and had ability but just didn’t have that bit of luck needed. Looking back it wasn’t the right move but at least I got to spend time with family.
I came back and had a successful trial with Nationwide conference club at the time Canvey Island and began my non league journey.

[scumbag]

Mathieu Manset against Millwall at home on the opening day, possibly around 2011?

May be misremembering, but seem to remember signed around the same time was Cedric Baseya. A forward who didn't score a senior goal until 6+ years into his career

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcs4kk