Remember this? July 1999

We look back over the years and recall some of our 'memories' that have moulded us into a finely tuned PA team at the Madstad!

July 25th 1999. Reading v Newcastle United. A sunny afternoon, a pre season friendly and opponents are a top Premiership side - Newcastle United. Nerves are jangling, not because of the game, but because Mr. Chairman will be addressing the crowd!

All checks have been done on the equipment, but the most vital one hasn't been undertaken. Nobody bothered to switch the mains on! Literally a case of all plugged in and no power.

Mr. Madejski walks out to the centre of the pitch and tries to gee the crowd up, but nothing comes out. The first ever utterance of heads will roll follows from an embarrassed Chairman who is understandably not happy.

Embarrassed PA staff are left with copious amounts of egg on face and a pathetic excuse that "someone must have tampered with the equipment during the summer!". In this case sorry just wasn't enough!

This embarrassment led to a change in checking procedures at the Madejski stadium. We now make sure all equipment is plugged in with the power switch on before giving the microphone to anyone :-)