Reading have released a statement explaining that the delay in opening sales for the League One curtain-raiser with Birmingham City is a fault of the hosts.

The Royals travel to the Second City on August 10 (5.30pm ko) for a league meeting with the favourites for automatic promotion following the Blues' relegation last season.

Usually, away tickets are put up for sale three weeks ahead of the fixture, however less than a fortnight now remains until the match and tickets are still not on sale.

A popular away match for supporters, Royals are expected to travel in their thousands to St Andrew's for the fixture.

Receiving queries from supporters as to why tickets remain unavailable, the club responded: "We know supporters are keen to secure their tickets for our opening League One tie with Birmingham City. We are waiting on the host club to provide ticketing details, as soon as we receive these we will go on sale as soon as possible."

Reading last made the trip there in December 2022, a 3-2 defeat under Paul Ince, but do have a strong record at that ground in recent years on the whole.

Famous 3-1 and 2-1 wins either side of the Covid-19 enforced break remain etched in the memory of those who attended, with teenager Jahmari Clarke appearing off the bench to net a quickfire brace and win the game for Veljko Paunovic's side.