Simod Cup goes on display at Reading museum
Former player Jerry Williams reunited with the trophy he helped win 35 years ago
The Simod Cup has gone on display at Reading museum.
The trophy was won by Reading FC at Wembley with a 4-1 victory over Luton 35 years ago.
At the time Luton were a top flight club and Reading were in the second division.
The trophy is being exhibited alongside Reading FC Academy Manager and first Reading goalscorer of the final Michael Gilkes cup winner’s medal - which currently forms part of the museum’s Windrush exhibition hosted by the Reading Caribbean Association Group.
Tens of thousands of Royals fans made the pilgrimage to Wembley Stadium that day to witness their team win the cup, creating a cherished moment in the club's history.
Jerry Williams was joined by Council Leader Jason Brock and long-time Royal’s season ticket holder, Councillor John Ennis, who both came up with the idea of exhibiting the Simod Cup at Reading Museum while attending the Reading away game at Cambridge last month.
Councillor Jason Brock, Reading Borough Council Leader, said:
“The Simod Cup holds a very special place in the hearts of all Reading fans, and we are thrilled to be able to bring the trophy home during Black History Month, alongside Michael Gilkes winners’ medal.
“Cllr Ennis and myself thought it would be a wonderful thing for fans to see the original trophy return to Reading 35 years after that Wembley win, and I’m grateful to all involved in making it happen. Fans now have the opportunity to visit the Cup in person, which will hopefully bring back some cherished memories. Indeed, Cllr Ennis has already told me about the £25 he won in a bet on the result.”
"Football continues to transcend boundaries and bring communities together. Reading FC remains a huge part of our town’s life and soul, and this is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the club’s rich history as one of the oldest established clubs in the English league, and provide a much needed morale boost at what is undoubtedly a challenging time for supporters.”