Our very first England international, Edward Brownlow Haygarth recognised in rebranding of hospitality suite for anniversary campaign.
Edward Brownlow Haygarth was an inspiration to Reading Football Club in its very earliest amateur days.
It is likely he played in the club’s first ever game. He is the club’s first recorded goal-scorer. He is the club's first hat-trick scorer. He is the club's first international player. Haygarth’s links to the great and good of football’s early days would almost certainly have helped the status of Reading Football Club.
And, to honour one of the most distinguished members of our STAR Hall of Fame in our 150th anniversary season, we have rebranded one of our hospitality suites as the Haygarth Lounge.
Select Style | Our Hospitality Packages 2021-22
Born in Cirencester in 1854, Haygarth came to Reading as part of his training to be a solicitor. He was an all-round sportsman, capable in athletics and a good bat for Reading Cricket Club. At football he played in a position described as ‘back’ in an era where he could face up to seven forwards.
He was described as a having a powerful and accurate kick, fearless and heavy and able on occasions to dribble right through the opposition to score.
Newspaper reports enthused about his play and soon he went on to represent Berkshire, to play for the select Slough-based club Swifts and in 1875, at the age of 20, to play at The Oval in the fourth ever football international against Scotland.
In the FA records he is credited as being a Swifts player but there is no doubt he was also captaining and playing for Reading regularly at the time. He acquitted himself well in the international, a 2-2 draw, and continued to captain Reading for a while before moving to London, where he played for Wanderers, and then Cirencester where he set up in legal practice.
The newly named 'Haygarth Lounge' celebrates the history of Reading Football Club whilst providing guests with a relaxed, friendly and informal matchday atmosphere on matchdays at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The package includes premium VIP seats in the Upper West stand to enjoy the match action, exclusive access to a private cash bar faciluty and the availability of a matchday menu - available to order on the day at an additional charge.
The cost is just £50 per adult or £22 for children. Or, a full season-long package is also avalable, priced at £750 per adult and £225 per child.
Club 106
There are a number of other hospitality packages which can cater for all Royals fan requirements. Perhaps none better than Club 106!
A place in Club 106 this season offers a unique ‘bowl food’ casual dining experience, fantastic pitch views and a vibrant lounge atmosphere at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Included in a Club 106 package are a place at a shared table in the pitch-facing Club 106 Suite, a multi-course casual dining experience, tea, coffee and hot chocolate served at half-time, a cash bar serving various beers, wines and soft drinks, access to VIP balcony match seating on the north-west corner of the stadium, as well as matchday entertainment and a host for every game.
A place in Club 106 this season will cost just £80 for adults and £43 for children.
