Royals start with trip to Forest

Reading open their Championship campaign with a tough trip to newly-promoted Nottingham Forest on Saturday, August 9.

The Royals first home match is against Plymouth Argyle the following weekend.

August is completed with a journey to Alan Pardew's Charlton Athletic on August 23 and then a home game against Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace the following weekend.

The festive fixtures sees Cardiff City visit the Madejski Stadium on Boxing Day before Steve Coppell's side travel to Southampton's St Mary's stadium on December 28.

The first league fixture in 2009 is Watford at home January 10.

The season comes to an end with a trip to Norwich and a home clash with Birmingham City on the final day - May 3.