1871 Podcast set for return

The popular 1871 Podcast is set for a return this week.

The 1871 Podcast, which launched in February 2022 and has so far run for two series, focuses on all things Reading FC, with club legends appearing as guests on a regular basis.

Host Mark Roach – son of the late former Reading FC director Brian Roach – is teaming up again with co-host and fellow Royals fan Johnny Hunt, who is on the board of directors at STAR (Supporters Trust At Reading).

Reading FC Hall of Famer Dylan Kerr, who won the player of the season award in 1994, is also set to join the podcast again as a co-host for some episodes.

The first series three episode is set to air on Friday evening and will feature discussion about the new Reading FC ownership and a look ahead to Saturday’s game at Wrexham – who are managed by former Royals captain Phil Parkinson.

The 1871 Podcast will be available as an audio version on various podcast platforms, including Spotify, and will also be available to view on the podcast’s YouTube channel.

Guests on the first two series included Steve Coppell, Brian McDermott, Noel Hunt, Adam Le Fondre, Graeme Murty, Marcus Hahnemann, Kevin Doyle, Leroy Lita, Glen Little, Ibrahima Sonko, Ivar Ingimarsson, Jem Karacan, Jamie Cureton, Shaka Hislop, Trevor Senior, Martin Hicks and other club legends.

“A few people have asked me if the 1871 Podcast would be returning,” said Mark. “I had a chat with Johnny (Hunt) at the weekend and, after all the uncertainty with the future of the club finally at an end, we thought it would be nice timing to start season three this week.”

After Friday’s first series three episode, the next episode will air on Monday evening, then every Monday evening thereafter.

Mark added: “Johnny and I will be representing the views of the Reading fans and discussing players, matches, the club ownership and more.

Hopefully Dylan Kerr will be joining us for at least one episode a month – and we’ll be inviting other Reading legends to appear as guests.

“That invitation will also extend to the club’s new owner – and I will be inviting Phil Parkinson to join us on Friday ahead of the Wrexham game. Whether he agrees to be a guest or not is a different matter though!”

The 1871 podcast will also be inviting fans to join them to give their views.

If you are a Reading fan and are interested in being a guest on the 1871 Podcast, you can email Mark at mark@halpinsportsponsorship.com for more information