The Reading FC Former Players’ Association are delighted to announce An Evening with Martin Allen on Thursday 9 May 2024, at the Tilehurst British Legion Club.

HOSTED BY BBC RADIO BERKSHIRE AND FORMER READING FC WELSH INTERNATIONAL ADY WILLIAMS.

Reading born Martin Allen was appointed assistant manager at Reading under Alan Pardew in January 2000, and his arrival sparked an immediate and dramatic pick-up in Reading’s fortunes. The Royals had looked set to drop into the bottom tier with the club in 21st position, but finished the season in remarkable form winning 12 and drawing 4 of their last 20 league fixtures. Martin was well known for his enthusiastic coaching style from the sidelines that rubbed off on both the players and the fans, as the pick-up in results coincided with a pick-up in the atmosphere inside the Madejski Stadium.

The following season the club’s fortunes continued their improvement with the Royals finishing in third place before being defeated in the play-off final in Cardiff against Walsall. After nearly two years with the club, Martin departed from Reading in October 2001 and went on to have a long managerial career that included five spells at Barnet, and a time at Brentford that extended over two years.

In his playing career Martin was a strong and determined midfielder. He made 136 appearances for QPR and 190 for West Ham United before a move to Portsmouth. After a short spell at Southend United he retired to begin his coaching and managerial career.

Thursday 9 May 2024 at Tilehurst Royal British Legion club, Downing Road, Reading, RG31 5BB.
Doors open at 6:30pm, bar opens at 7:00pm and the event begins at 7:30pm.

Tickets are priced at £22 in advance only.
The ticket price includes entry and fish and chip supper.
Please purchase a maximum of 8 tickets per person.