Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton passed away on Saturday aged 86.
A First Division winner, a European Cup winner, a Ballon d'Or winner and a World Cup winner, Charlton is an icon of the sport.
In his 19-year professional career, the attacking midfielder came up against Reading just once- bringing his star-studded Manchester United teammates to Elm Park in 1970.
We join with the footballing community in commemorating the life of Sir Bobby Charlton, who passed away yesterday at the age of 86.
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) October 22, 2023
We met just once - a star-studded @ManUtd side visited Elm Park in the Watney Cup.
But we mourn the loss of a giant of the English game. pic.twitter.com/cy9GGxCXgi
A little heard of competition these days, the Watney Cup was the first sponsored trophy in England.
Founded in 1970, it was contested by the teams that had scored the most goals in each of the four divisions of the Football League the previous season who had not been promoted or admitted to one of the European competitions.
Jack Mansell's Third Division outfit finished eighth, scoring 87 goals and qualified alongside Fulham.
Derby County, Manchester United, Hull City, Sheffield United, Aldershot and Peterborough United also qualified for the inaugural competition, which was held during the summer.
One to ask your parents and grandparents about...
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) January 28, 2023
⚽ Our first goal against @ManUtd in the 1970 Watney Cup 🏆 #MUNREA pic.twitter.com/fpqqm93WFq
More than 18,000 crammed into Elm Park on a blisteringly hot day, and the ITV cameras rolled into town for The Big Match.
The Red Devils certainly did not take the match lightly, with the Holy Trinity of George Best, Denis Law and Charlton all featuring over 50 years ago.
Supporters were treated to a classic, with the visitors squeezing through 3-2 in Berkshire, with Charlton scoring a brace and Paul Edwards adding another.
Dick Habin and Gordon Cumming scored for the Biscuitmen, giving the excitable crowd something to cheer.
It was to be the only time the great man played against Reading, narrowly missing two FA Cup ties in 1955- just one year before he made his first-team debut.
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