Reading FC legend on Q&A evening, Dai Yongge and a return

The fan favourite arrived back in 2003 and played almost 200 times for the club during a golden period of Championship glory and Premier League football.

Departing in 2007, Sidwell went on to play for the likes of Chelsea, Fulham and Brighton in a successful playing career.

Telling stories of his days as a youngster at Arsenal all the way through to his post-playing career, hundreds of Loyal Royals were hanging on his every word.

Speaking to the Reading Chronicle after the event, Sidwell said: "It was so good talking about the good times with the football club. You could see a lot of smiles on the fans’ faces at a time when it is probably the lowest point in many’s time supporting the club. It was nice to pick a few people up and share some stories.

"I’ve got fond memories of the football club, and a lot of fans have fond memories of me. People were saying I’m up there as one of the greatest to play for the football club, so I think there is a fondness between both parties and it’s always nice to come back this way. I just need to try and get to a game.

"I look out for their results all the time, even throughout my career I looked for their results and when we were going to play them. I have to try and get to a game now and enjoy some football on the pitch."

Having been docked more points by the EFL on Tuesday, with two more hanging over the club's head should Yongge fail to make a payment between now and the end of the season, the current running of the club left a bitter taste in Sidwell's mouth.

"It’s far from what we’ve all experienced, the very highs of the 106, Premier League and after that," he said. "Hopefully, it can get sorted out as quickly as possible. The boys are doing superbly on the pitch and trying their hardest, as are the manager and staff, so hopefully, it can be resolved, and they can start looking forward to a brighter future."