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Injuries meant that John Mackie missed the 2001 play-off final defeat and the dramatic final game of the season at Brentford that secured promotion a year later, but he did line up in Reading's League Cup clash with Chelsea in 2003, against the likes of Hernan Crespo and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. He chats about his time at Reading, his injuries and some of Martin Allen's infamous antics.

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Roger Ware first watched Reading in 1950 and has been a fan ever since. He went on to become sports editor of the Berkshire Chronicle, which became the Reading Chronicle. Roger talks about some of the memorable events in Reading's history over the last seven decades, including the title win in 1979, the proposed merger with Oxford United in 1983 and more.

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Mark Nicholls joined Reading on loan from Chelsea the day before New Year's Eve in 1999. He played seven games for the Royals, scoring three goals. Reading wanted to sign him and he wanted the move, but Chelsea refused to budge on the transfer fee they wanted for him - and promptly sent him out on loan to Grimsby. Mark recalls his time at Reading with fond memories and reveals what Martin Allen was like to work with.

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Tony Rougier is one of the unluckiest players in play-off final history, scoring an own goal in the 2001 final as Reading missed out on promotion. Tony talks about that game and the own goal - and also discusses winning promotion the following season and how much he enjoyed his time at Reading.

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Jeff Hopkins joined Reading in 1992 and went on to make more than 150 appearances for the Royals. He joins us for a chat about his time at Elm Park - including the 1993-94 season and just missing out on promotion to the Premiership in 1995.

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We complete our countdown to choosing the Greatest Reading XI from the last 50 years, by selecting our two forwards in the starting 11. Taken from Mark and Johnny's shortlists and fan nominations, we whittle down a long list of forwards, before finally choosing two forwards for the 11 and a forward on the bench - before revealing who has made it into our Greatest Reading XI from the last 50 years.

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Former Crystal Palace manager Alan Smith seems a somewhat unlikely guest for a Reading FC podcast. But when you consider that he knows the likes of Royals legends Steve Coppell, Wally Downes, Alan Pardew and Ian Branfoot - as well as former players John Salako and Simon Osborn, he is well placed to give us his insight into what these former Royals are really like. He also gives his verdict on former Reading star Michael Olise, who is making a big impression at Palace. And we keep the tape rolling at the end of the episode as Alan gives his view on what should happen next at Reading.

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Comedian Sam Michael is a Reading fan - and reveals he was once 'forced' to live in Swindon. He talks about his love of the Royals and comedy and how he sometimes combines the two.

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Simon Church worked his way through the youth ranks, reserve team football and loan spells away from Reading before finally getting his chance with the Royals, scoring 24 goals in 122 appearances. He talks about his highs and lows of his time at Reading.

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Martin Hicks made 603 appearances for Reading - a record that is unlikely to be surpassed. He won the Division 4 title in 1979, captained the Record Breaking Royals side that won Division 3 in the 1985-86 season and lifted the Simod Cup at Wembley in 1988. Martin looks back on his time at Reading and recalls the highs and lows, including trophy wins, injuries and some of the great players he played with and against.

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