READING TOWN FC - A BRIEF HISTORY
The club was formed in 1966 as Lower Burghfield and over the years changed its name several times, being known as XL United, Vincents United, Reading Garage and ITS Reading Town.The club started life in the Reading Combination League. In the early 1980's they were the Premier Division Champions on four occasions, culminating in the 1983/84 season when they made a clean sweep, winning not only the league title but three league cup competitions as well. The following season saw them move to the Reading & District League where they finished as runners-up in the Premier Division and went onto win the Reading Senior Cup. The 1985/86 season saw them once again finish as runners-up in the Premier Division, but this time around they had to settle for runners-up in the Reading Senior Cup.
In 1989/90 they joined the Chiltonian League, finishing third in the Premier Division. In 1993/94 they changed their name to Reading Town and relocated to their present Scours Lane ground. Ultimate success came in the 1994/95 season when they won the Premier Division Championship, gaining promotion to the Combined Counties League. In 1995/96 season they finished a creditable 7th in the league and also won the Berks & Bucks FA Senior Trophy. The 1996/97 season saw the installation of floodlights at the ground and the team went onto attain 6th place in the league and were beaten finalists in the Berks & Bucks FA Senior Trophy. However, it was in the FA Vase, entering for the first time, where they achieved the greatest success. They reached the 4th Round Proper, before succumbing to beaten semi-finalists Banstead Athletic in a closely contested tie.
In 1997/98 they finished as runners-up in the league after heading the table for most of the season. However one point from their last three games cost them dear and they were overtaken on the final day of the season by Ashford Town (Middlesex). This season also saw them enter the FA Cup for the first time in their history. At the start of 2001/02 season Town appointed former Manchester United & England star Neil Webb as Manager. But Neil was unable to transfer his success as a player to the Management role and after a poor start to the season he resigned in November.
For season 2002/03 Town appointed 23-year old Colin Millard as Manager making him one of the youngest Managers' in the country and his enthusiasm and dedication to the job turned around their recent fortunes and a mid-table position was attained.
In 2003/04 Town finished in 3rd place in the league behind AFC Wimbledon and AFC Wallingford respectively.
The 2004/05 season was one of consolidation, finishing in 10th place in the Premier Division. In 2006/07 the club club were in the bottom four at the turn of the New Year but a 12 game unbeaten run saw them finish in a respectable 9th place. Manager Colin Millard resigned at the end of the season and the club has stayed loyal with the backroom staff and have promoted Glenn Goudie and Neil Goff to joint 1st Team managers.