But those who say we are making our first visit to Reading's new stadium must have missed the friendly back in July 1999 when Newcastle United actually OPENED it in a 2-2 draw.
2-0 down at half-time, Toon manager Ruud Gullit pulled on the Toon shirt and introduced himself after the break. We levelled with goals from the two kids we had just signed from Darlington, Jamie Coppinger and Paul Robinson.
I also remember John "Budgie" Burridge standing with the Toon fans when we lost 3-1 in the League Cup. Jim Smith had tried to sign him but he wanted to see the team play and joined us on the terraces.
He said afterwards: "The team were crap, but the fans were brilliant, and I had to sign for Newcastle after that."
1999/00 P.Robinson 2/14 1
Young striker signed from Darlington the same time as Jamie Coppinger. Paul cost £250,000 and went on to Wimbledon for £1m. Will always be known as the player who was prefered to Alan Shearer in Ruud Gullit's last match at the Toon v Sunderland. Also tried to take the ball off Shearer in the 8-0 thrashing of Sheff Wed to take a penalty! You can guess what happened.
NEWCASTLE v READING HISTORY
2006/2007 Wed 06 Dec Newcastle Utd. 3 - 2 Reading Premiership
1989/1990 Wed 31 Jan Newcastle Utd. 4 - 1 Reading F.A. Cup
Sat 27 Jan Reading 3 - 3 Newcastle Utd. F.A. Cup
Wed 04 Oct Newcastle Utd. 4 - 0 Reading League Cup
Newcastle United won 5-3 on aggregate
Tue 19 Sep Reading 3 - 1 Newcastle Utd. League Cup
1968/1969 Sat 04 Jan Newcastle Utd. 4 - 0 Reading F.A. Cup
1899/1900 Sat 27 Jan Newcastle Utd. 2 - 1 Reading F.A. Cup