The Club 1871 section was set up by supporters at Reading Football Club to help improve the atmosphere on a matchday at the Select Car Leasing stadium, but fans have noticed a drop off in noise levels in recent times.
First set up by fans in 2018 and gained momentum across the next few seasons and was renowned as the beating heart for a much improved atmosphere inside the ground.
However, many fans have raised concerns about a dip in the atmosphere, including those who still attend matches in Club 1871.
Club 1871’s account posted on X and said: “Atmosphere has been poor this season. The football doesn’t help, but many people are getting tickets in the south stand to just stand there quietly.”
“We try get things going and many people just stand there. You know why we were set up.. we need to up it next home game.”
Some fans within Club 1871 say much of that comes down to the football on the pitch, with inconsistent performances providing little spark to ignite the crowd. But some believe the issue runs deeper.
“People are coming in just to stand quietly,” claimed one fan.
Several long-time members say that while the stand remains popular, not everyone joining understands or embraces its purpose to try and enhance the atmosphere.
“We try to get things going, but a lot of people just stand there quietly,” said one Club 1871 regular. “You know why we were set up. We’re there to sing, to support, to drive the team on. We need people who want to be part of that.”
The sentiment is shared by others who feel the stand’s identity has softened this season, with more fans choosing to watch from the section without contributing to the noise and atmosphere it was created to deliver.
As frustrations grow, focus is already shifting to the next home fixture when Reading host Peterborough United on Tuesday, December 9.
“We need to up it next home game,” one supporter added. “The atmosphere used to lift the players. We have to get back to that.”
With Reading looking to build momentum on the pitch, the hope is that Club 1871 can rediscover its spark off it as they look to climb the table under new manager Leam Richardson.
Whether the revival starts with results or with the fans themselves remains to be seen, but there is no shortage of passion among those determined to bring the noise back to Reading.
