2021 is a particularly significant year for Reading FC, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Founded in 1871, Reading also undertook a tour of Italy in the first decade of the last century, during which it beat Genoa, Pro Vercelli and Milan.

Macron, the official kit sponsor of The Royals, together with the English club, has unveiled the new ‘Home’ shirt that the Berkshire side will wear throughout the coming season. This home shirt pays tribute to all the players who have made the English club great.

The new “Home” shirt features the traditional white and blue horizontal stripes. It is a crew-neck shirt with gold trim. The back of the neck is personalised with a blue stripe with gold trim, the logo – specially redesigned to mark the 150th anniversary – and the inscription, also in gold: 1871 – 2021 150 YEARS.

The standout design feature of this new shirt is the tone-on-tone, repeated sublimation print on the blue stripes, featuring the names of the players who have been inducted into the English club’s Hall of Fame.

The words ‘1871 – 2021 150 YEARS’ are embroidered in gold on the back of the neck. On the right side of the chest, in gold, is the Macron Hero, the Italian brand’s logo; on the left, over the heart, is the special Reading FC crest commemorating the 150th anniversary. The shorts are white with a blue drawstring and gold trim. The socks feature horizontal white and blue stripes.

The jersey has a slim fit; the main fabric is Softlock, and the micromesh inserts ensure excellent breathability.

The first goalkeeper’s shirt is also a tribute, inspired by the one worn by the ‘legendary’ Steve Death, who played for Reading from 1969 to 1982. The shirt is green, as are the shorts and socks. The other goalkeeper kits are available in black or light blue, featuring an interwoven geometric pattern.