Brian McDermott takes charge of Reading for first time with Bristol City draw _(Image: Chris Forsey)_
On this day in 2009, Reading took to the field for the first time under the management of now legendary boss Brian McDermott, drawing 1-1 at Bristol City after Brendan Rodgers' departure.
The previous season, Steve Coppell's attempt to lead the club back into the Premier League at the first time of asking failed at the play-off stage, losing in the semi-final to Burnley.
Among wholesale changes over the summer of 2009 was the appointment of Brendan Rodgers, a former Royal youth player and reserve team coach who had joined from Watford.
Now a multiple title winner with Celtic and Leicester City, his 23-game spell in Berkshire left a lot to be desired and with Reading sat 21st in the Championship, Rodgers was sacked after a 1-1 draw with Scunthorpe United.
McDermott, who had taken on just about every role possible at the club to that point was given the role on a caretaker basis, and his first match in the dugout came at Ashton Gate.
Almost 1,200 travelling supporters made up the near-15,000 crowd in Bristol as Gary Johnson's side were chasing down the play-off positions.
It started poorly as Jay Tabb conceded a soft penalty and Paul Hartley slammed past Adam Federici to edge in front within 15 minutes.
However, fighting spirit and a never-say-die attitude was to become synonymous with McDermott and his side for the next few years and Simon Church popped up in the 91st-minute to deservedly flick the Royals level and ensure a point was taken back up the M4.
It was not without controversy, however, as Church's celebration brought him a second yellow card and saw the goal scorer sent off.
Losing his next three league matches, but knocking Liverpool out of the FA Cup, saw McDermott given the role on a full-time basis and after a stirring second-half of the season, Reading ended the campaign ninth.
Bristol City would finish level on points with Reading come May but behind them in the table in 10th on goal difference.
A play-off final defeat followed in 2010/11 before a Championship title and Premier League football following in 2011/12 and 2012/13.