Reading are to share a division with Mansfield Town for the first time in over 30 years following their promotion from League Two.
The Stags, managed by legendary player Nigel Clough, were a non-league outfit a decade ago but have endured multiple near-misses of reaching the third tier.
Beating Accrington Stanley 2-1 on Tuesday, Mansfield have taken the final automatic promotion spot with two matches to spare.
Former Royal Stephen Quinn opened the scoring at the One Call Stadium on the night.
2002/03 is the last time Mansfield played in what is now League One, under the management of former Royal Keith Curle.
🆙 𝗪𝗘’𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗬, 𝗪𝗘’𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗬!!! 🦌#Stags 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/Saz3Nn243n
— Mansfield Town FC (@mansfieldtownfc) April 16, 2024
Joining Wrexham and champions Stockport County, Mansfield will make their first-ever visit to the Select Car Leasing Stadium next season.
Regular opponents in the 1970s, Reading have not shared a division with the Stags since 1992/93.
The Royals remained unbeaten against them that season, earning a win and a draw on route to a 12th-placed finish in the third tier.
Stockport, who confirmed the title with a 5-2 win over Notts County on Tuesday, have also never visited RG2, while Wrexham have not come to town for over 20 years.
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