Reading Football Club said a fond farewell to two extremely loyal servants this week as Gordon 'Fred' Neate and Ron Grant both retired with more than 70 years of service between them.

The Club held a special function in the Royal Suite restaurant at Madejski Stadium, and they were presented with gifts from Chairman Sir John Madejski, as well as special photo albums looking back over their long careers stretching back to Elm Park days.

Gordon began his association with Reading an incredible 53 years ago when he became a player, and he then went on to work as groundsman. Ron joined back in 1992, and remained Kit Manager ever since.

The Chairman said, "Gordon, what incredible service you have given to our football club. I remember when you were handed a special award by Barclays a couple of years ago that they described you as 'Mr Reading' and after 50 years here who could disagree!

"I would like to thank you for all of your hard work during your time here, and wish you a very happy retirement.

"And Ron, you have been one of the true stalwarts of Reading Football Club and I would like to say a personal thank you for your loyal service over such a long period. Many times you have shown me just how much you love this club, and loved working here.

"As you go into your retirement I would like to sincerely wish you all the very best, and you are both always welcome back any time."

Manager Brendan Rodgers also attended, as well as Ivar Ingimarsson, Brian McDermott, Jon Fearn and around 50 other staff.

Brendan said, "You often hear talk about legends and Ron & Gordon are really what you consider to be legends. Players and managers come and go, but these are true supporters and people of the Club.

"It's a sad time when two guys who are servants to the Club are moving on, and for as long as I've been involved so have. It's sad but also a celebration, they are great people but they won't disappear, they will always be welcome.

"They are good men with Reading in their hearts and I am honoured to come here and pay respect to their service, we had a good turnout for them.

"I always try to look at the positive so it is a celebration, not a sad moment. They will always have Reading in their blood and will always be welcome at the training ground or the stadium."

In addition, maintenance worker David Howkins was also presented with gifts as he moves to a part-time role after more than 40 years of service.

Gordon 'Fred' Neate
Gordon's association with Reading Football Club began in 1956 when he joined his hometown club at the age of 15. He turned professional two years later but injuries restricted him to a total of 106 first team appearances and ended his career prematurely in 1966, but he then became the club's groundsman, a position he has retained ever since.

One of the last games at Elm Park in 1998 was a testimonial for 'Fred' (as he is nicknamed after being likened to comedian 'Fred Karno's Circus'), and remained a valuable member of the Madejski Stadium groundstaff into his late 60s, having given more than 50 years of uninterrupted service to Reading FC.

Ron Grant
Ron joined Reading in 1992 when initially handed a part-time role at Elm Park by Mark McGhee. Quickly though he became a full-time employee and one of the most popular members of the Club's backroom staff.

Hard-working, diligent and amiable, Ron gave 17 years of service to Reading FC and goes into retirement with the very best wishes of everyone at Madejski Stadium.