They had a famous FA Cup run in the early 1990s, eventually being knocked out by Crewe 3-1 in the 3rd round. Roly Howard was manager for a record 33 years (1972-2005), although he will always be remembered by some fans as Kenny Dalglish's window cleaner. TV presenter Ray Stubbs once asked: "How's business, Roly?" to which Roly replied "Oh you know - ups and downs."
Former players include Michael Ball (Everton and Rangers) and Stephen Wright (Liverpool and Sunderland). The club motto is 'To Enjoy, Not Destroy.'
TWENTY five years ago the Not The Nine O'Clock News team had a sketch about a 'Gob of the Month' competition.
It crudely highlighted the ten best (or worst) spits by footballers on Match of the Day.
Some of today's gob yobs would wipe the floor with their top flight forefathers as this weekend's MOTD graphically highlighted.
The worst culprits were Reading players Michael Duberry and Shane Long in their 2-1 defeat to Middleborough.
Within a two-minute clip, viewers were treated to close-ups of three barnstormers, two courtesy of rookie Irish striker Mr Long.
I have not played Premiership football and I have no medical qualifications apart from my Gold Medal Life Saving Award (which probably expired in 1982) and six years' experience of applying a Mr Bump cooling gel patch which we keep behind last Christmas's beef lard in the fridge.
Perhaps someone can tell me if there is a physiological reason for generating a load of frothy phlegm and being compelled to eject it with force every time the ball goes out of play?
Ex-Chelsea and Leeds defender Duberry and teenage saliva sensation Long's projectile missiles triggered understandable questions from our Jack.
'Why are they spitting, Dad? Have they got grass in their mouths?'
Er, no son. They just don't know how to behave in public and have no regard for the thousands of children watching on TV.
I have drilled into Jack that he should only spit if he cops a mouthful of turf or a fly lands on his tongue.
It surprises me that Reading manager Steve Coppell allows it. Equally I am surprised that the BBC allows its videotape editors to glorify spitting, especially when so many kids tune in for the Sunday morning repeat.
All three spits could easily have been edited out, as could Peter Crouch's blood-filled phlegm gem after he suffered a broken nose. Admittedly, Crouchy had good cause to spit - but I still don't want a dollop on my Sunday morning museli.
For the record, Duberry was the winner of the Griff Rhys-Jones Greb Award for the power he managed to attach to his generous golly. Awesome.
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