In a remarkable show of support, the Supporters Trust at Reading (STAR) stepped in to fund the Reading FC squad’s overnight stay in Shrewsbury ahead of their 3-1 League One victory at Croud Meadow on Tuesday night.
Due to ongoing financial instability at the club, overnight accommodations for away matches have been significantly reduced over the past two seasons. The cost-saving measure meant players often had to travel long distances on matchday, a routine typically reserved for fans, not professional athletes preparing for competitive fixtures.
However, in a pivotal moment for the club’s promotion push,
STAR unanimously voted to cover the costs of the team’s stay in Shropshire — a decision that appears to have paid immediate dividends.
“This was not an insignificant sum and is not within our usual remit,” STAR said in a statement.
“But the board felt strongly that it was the right thing to do to support our promotion-chasing side.”
Manager Noel Hunt’s team delivered on the pitch, claiming a vital 3-1 win that moved them into sixth place in the League One table, with five crucial matches remaining.
The gesture has been met with gratitude from within the club, with both players and staff reaching out to thank STAR and the wider fanbase. The message is clear: the overnight stay made a real difference.
“If you’ve ever donated to a STAR fundraiser, travelled on our coaches or signed up for membership, you’ve played a part in this week’s result,” STAR added.
A Club in Crisis, Fans Stepping Up
Reading FC’s well-publicized off-field struggles — including Dai Yongge’s recent disqualification by the EFL — have left the club operating under challenging conditions. STAR, which has thousands of members and a strong fundraising base, has increasingly stepped in to support both fans and players during this turbulent period.
This act of support is the latest in a series of community-led efforts to keep the team competitive despite financial limitations.
Travel Relief in the Final Run-In
Fortunately for the Royals, their remaining away fixtures — against Northampton Town, Mansfield Town, and Bristol Rovers — are far more accessible than others could have been. That could ease the logistical burden as Reading FC continues its playoff push.
