By Mark Sugar
April 7 2004

Reading will be invaded by Vikings on the 1st May as West Brom have announced this as their yearly fancy dress party.Here at 1871Royals we are hoping to enter in the spirit of things with the West Brom fans by having a fancy dress day.Read more about it.

The Madejski Stadium is to be invaded by Vikings on the 1st May after our opponents West Brom has confirmed that the annual fancy dress party this year is for the theme tune "The Vikings" for their Danish defender Thomas Gaardsoe, who has proved to be a fans favourite since moving from Ipswich Town back at the start of the season.

The Baggies are looking pretty good for automatic promotion after an injury time winner from Geoff Horsefield against Ipswich last Sunday at Portman Road.

West Brom have had a fantastic season after being relegated from the Premiership last season. They took the safe option of not blowing all their cash and this appears to have paid off. They remain in a battle with Norwich over who shall be crowned Champions of the 1st Division. The Canaries visit the Madejski Stadium on Easter Monday in a must win game for Reading. But while West Brom plan ahead, they still have Sunderland right behind them and with games in hand for the Black Cats, it could prove to be an interesting finale for the 2 automatic spot's. West Brom still have to travel to Sunderland early on in May.

Come the 1st May, the game will be a must win for either side with Reading having aspirations of Premiership football next season. The Albion will definitely sell out their 4,100 allocation and with this the last home game of the season for Royals supporters then we should be expecting a full house.

To enter into the spirit of things, we are hoping to organise a fancy dress theme day for Reading fans. Possible solutions have been a Gingers theme, for our 2 ginger players Steve Sidwell and Dave Kitson. Sidwell will easily win the Player of the Season votes while Kitson scored 2 against West Ham on Saturday to send Royals fans very happy after the return of Alan Pardew.

If you have any possible ideas for a theme tune day on the 1st May then please visit the Message Board, or email the publishers on mark@1871royals.co.uk