Royals ready to extend Madejski

Reading have a 100% home record in the Premiership this season

Reading are to apply for planning permission to extend the Madejski Stadium's capacity by at least 10,000.

The current capacity is 24,045, but the Royals are keen to tap into their new fan base following their promotion and good start to life in the Premeirship.

"We are preparing the programme for the expansion of the stadium," said the club's chief executive Nigel Howe.

"We don't know what capacity it will be and what else will be involved but it's the direction we're heading in."

Howe added that Reading, who are in the top-flight for the first time, hoped to put an application forward in October.

"It will be a full planning application," he said.

"I'm being ambiguous about the number of seats because it's all being worked on. It has to be the right shape, and marry in with everything in terms of design and what we have already.

"It will certainly add at least 10,000 to the capacity, but the final figure is not decided."

Rugby union Premiership side London Irish also play their home games at the Madejski.