Madejski looks forward to August

Sir John Madejski became Chairman of Reading FC in 1990

Reading chairman Sir John Madejski has spoken about how much he is looking forward to the start of the season under new manager Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers joined Reading from Watford in June, replacing Steve Coppell as boss.

"We were delighted to get Brendan because he brings so much to the club," Madejski told the club website.

"He knows the club. The risk was diminished so much. He is tried and tested and he's a fan, which is terrific. It's a win-win situation."

He added: "We have a fantastic academy here that we want to take full advantage of. Brendan will be very interested in what goes on there.

606: DEBATE Back the boys! Back Brendan Rodgers! Back Sir John Madejski! And let's enjoy the new era! Brendan Rodgers is the special one

"If anyone has not been able to renew their season ticket yet then now is the time to do it.

"That's what it is all about, we are a community club. We will have exciting football here. Whether in Newbury, Maidenhead, Basingstoke or Reading, this is a club you can belong to.

"We're going to put something good on the park and it's exciting for everybody, a new era."

Reading finished fourth in the Championship last season and lost to Burnley in the play-off semi-finals.