Reading

Why Reading

Here is the argument for Reading: England, England EFL Trophy, and a ground called Madejski Stadium. A second team should give you something your first one cannot, and this is a different country's whole weather system.

• Deep roots

  Founded in 1871, Reading were playing organised football before floodlights, substitutes or televised highlights existed. You are adopting 155 years of accumulated grudges.

• Nothing won, everything to play for

  No major honours on record, which means every cup run is uncharted territory and every promotion feels like a coronation.

• Proper ground

  Madejski Stadium takes roughly 24,161, big enough for atmosphere, small enough that you can learn where the singing corner is on your first visit.

• You get a nickname

  Known as The Royals. That is your new shorthand, your search term and your excuse for buying a scarf.