READING FC defender Liam Moore is paying for a group of supporters to travel to Sheffield Wednesday this Saturday (3pm ko).

Around 50 fans have set up in the Madejski Stadium south stand for the past two home games in order to improve the atmosphere in that section of the ground.

And their vociferous backing has gone down a treat with the players during their battle for Championship survival.

Moore has been so impressed with the support he has dipped into his own pocket to pay for a coach to Hillsborough this weekend.

“I’ve always been a player who likes to interact with the fans, in person when I can or on social media,” he explained. “And a group of fans, wanting to create more of an atmosphere at the Madejski, got in contact with me.

“Their vocal support is a big thing for us, as players, and it has gone down very well in the dressing room.

“One of them contacted me and told me they were very keen to keep the project going and get to a few away games before the end of the season, so it made sense to help them out.

“As players, we appreciate the support that we get at Reading and I offered to put on a coach for the original group of 50 fans.”

Reading Chronicle:

Liam Moore hold up the ball against Sheffield United in February in front of a mere 6,769 fans at Madejski Stadium.

The coach to Sheffield for the 380-mile round trip has already been paid for by 25-year-old Moore.

“For me, it’s not too big a thing to do,” he continued.

“We are lucky enough to be paid a good wage and that has a lot to do with the support that the fans give us.

“So just to be able to give a little bit back is important for me and I’m sure it’ll be a good thing for those wanting to make the long trip there and back on Saturday.”

Home attendances at Madejski Stadium this campaign dropped dramatically towards the end of Jaap Stam’s reign.

A sparse crowd of just 6,769 braved the cold on a Tuesday night to watch Royals lose 3-1 to Sheffield United in February in the lowest league gate of the season.

But the situation has greatly improved under new boss Paul Clement, with 17,348 in attendance for last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland.

Reading Chronicle:

A fan with a megaphone in the Madejski Stadium south stand.

Moore continued: “What they have started is massive and I fully understand that it’s a relationship that must work both ways.

“We need to give the supporters something to cheer about, which hasn’t always been the case enough this season.

“Now we need to stay in this league and if they can give us an extra percent or two then they are doing exactly what we need from them.”

Reading remain five points above the Championship drop zone with three matches to play.

But Clement insists he would not trade places with any of their relegation rivals.