Liverpool and Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam, who ended his successful EFL career with Reading in 2019/20, is set to make his first return to Berkshire after his Fleetwood Town side were drawn against the Royals in the FA Cup.
A Scotland international who enjoyed a long career in the Premier League, the 38-year-old scored twice in 27 appearances for the Royals before moving to boyhood club Dundee to see out his career.
Making his first steps into management with Fleetwood last year, Adam was unable to keep the Cod Army in the third tier but earned a dramatic point against Reading at Highbury Stadium in February, drawing 1-1.
Returning to the Select Car Leasing Stadium in November for the first time since his departure, take a look below at some of Adam's Royal highlights below.
First goal
A mixed season, not helped by the Covid-19 disruption from February, Mark Bowen's side rallied over the festive period and embarked on a seven-game unbeaten run in December and January.
Derby County, going through financial issues and eventual administration at the time, were dispatched 3-0 at the SCL Stadium just days ahead of Christmas and Adam earned an early present with his first goal for the club from the penalty spot.
Happy retirement to @Charlie26Adam, any excuse to get this out! ⚽
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) September 21, 2022
27 appearances in his sole season as a Royal... which included this iconic strike! 😁
You are welcome back at the Select Car Leasing Stadium anytime! 🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/HUDvq0WI5C
Seeing in the New Year with a bang
Reading supporters battled sore heads from the night before to make the short trip to Fulham for New Year's Day, a Cottagers side on route to promotion.
However, the Royals earned a fourth successive win at Craven Cottage with goals from John Swift and Adam either side of half-time.
Ivan Cavaleiro pulled one back on the hour mark but Scott Parker's side were unable to beat Rafael Cabral for a second time and Reading held on for a memorable victory, inspired by Adam in midfield.
Nice gesture by Charlie Adam's after the final whistle.
— Reading FC 🧱 (@bluewhitewall) February 13, 2024
Went straight over to our fans and gave us a clap and made sure to shake hands with every player and ref.
Best of luck to him in the rest of his career.#ReadingFC pic.twitter.com/NEp9L41yFz
Fleetwood fixture
Hundreds of Royals made a first-ever trip to Fleetwood on Valentine's Night last season and almost left with a win, denied a 1-0 victory by a dubious stoppage-time equaliser which, upon second viewing, was offside.
'The Scottish Pirlo', who had spoken highly of Reading in the build-up, put relegation rivalries aside post-match and spent a good portion of time after the final whistle applauding those who used toc chant his name.
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