Reading striker Shane Long is very pleased to begin the new season with a home game.

The Royals will face Nottm Forest at Madejski Stadium as the season begins on Saturday 8th August.

Our next League game is a trip to relegated Newcastle United, followed by a midweek match at Swansea.

Shane told readingfc.co.uk, "It's always nice to get a home game first up and we have that.

"It goes without saying it's hard no matter who you play against, but the main thing is to pick up three points.

"It's strange because obviously we had Forest in the first game last season, it was away that time, we got a draw and they are not easy to play against.

"Next in the League is Newcastle and it's one of the games everyone looks for.

"It's a massive club, a massive stadium and it will be mental up there for their first home game. Hopefully we can welcome them to the Championship by beating them!

"For me, the first things I looked at this year were some of the games in August because my brother's getting married.

"I also wanted to see the teams that have come down; Middlesbrough, Newcastle and West Brom.

"We've got two home games in our last three and in between it will be nice for the manager when he goes back to Watford!"

Season ticket renewals are open now with prices frozen from last season - find out more and renew online instantly.