We will iFollow the Reading, on laptop and TV

This is Reading’s best start to the season since 1985 – but just like back then it’s not as easy to follow the team as we’d like. In 1985 stadium capacities were restricted for safety reasons after the Bradford fire. And there was a boycott by the TV companies so not one minute of Reading’s amazing 13 wins on the bounce was filmed (legally, that is!).

But in 2020 we have iFollow! For £10 a go – the price of a car parking space or two pints at the Madstad – you can follow every game home and away from the comfort and security of your sofa. Coverage includes multiple camera angles, replays, match stats and commentary from the BBC Radio Berks team.

Of course, it’s not the same as being there but it’s as near as we’re likely to get over the next few weeks and months. So it would be a shame for supporters to miss out on the goals of Lucas Joao, the fast emerging Omar Richards and the silky skills of Michael Olise. These could be players we’ll be talking about in years to come – and we’d like every fan to have their say on them.

The iFollow service is also a way of supporting our club financially. After the government have taken their VAT cut and a small handling fee is deducted the rest of the much-needed money – about £8 in every £10 goes to Reading FC for each home match iFollow pass purchased (whether by a home or away supporter). The £10 price is set by the EFL and applies to all clubs in the League so there is no scope for Reading to reduce it.

Here’s how to access the next games away at Warnock’s Middlesbrough Sat 17 Oct KO 3pm and the local derby home to Wycombe Tues 20 Oct KO 8pm as Reading seek to extend the 100% record.

Visit www.readingfc.co.uk then hover over iFollow in the top menu. Click on Subscribe then choose the Match Pass you want (at the bottom). Click Subscribe Now and then create a free account (if you haven’t already got one). Then enter your payment details (these can be saved for the next matches) and pay. You’re all set!

So, say 10-15 minutes before kick-off, head to the Match Centre either via the Next Match link on the iFollow dropdown menu or the club website home page. You should then hear the BBC Radio Berks commentators and see moving pictures of the stadium pre-kick-off.

And here’s how different supporters are getting the most out of iFollow:

• There’s a team sheet you can download ahead of KO from the Match Centre
• Family viewing together in home
• Pre-match / half time / post-match WhatsApp or Zoom chats about the game with your mates
• Or follow the game whilst on another device talking to friends about the game – so long as there’s no time difference between your streams – nothing worse than someone else seeing a goal 20 seconds before you!

We know the technology isn’t quite perfect yet – and the issues could be with your connection or equipment – but it works for the great majority of supporters. If there are problems, contact the EFL / i-Follow, not Reading FC or STAR – we can’t help.

Whilst iFollow sits on the Club’s website, the technical delivery of the platform is done by a third party on behalf of the EFL. Therefore fans who require technical assistance, should use the following support contacts:

Email – ifollow@efl.com

Live Chat – Available by clicking the speech bubble icon that will appear on the Club website during the match

Reading FC (and STAR) will NOT be able to help you with technical issues, so please be sure to use the above methods should you require assistance.

Last words, Reading are doing well and iFollow is your best chance of keeping up with the action and excitement. All we can suggest is – join in. C’mon URRRRRZ.