Reading FC 'disappointed' over M4 closure clash
The motorway will be closed between junction 10 and 11 when Reading host Notts County
Last updated 26th Aug 2026
Reading Football Club say they've held constructive discussions with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and National Highways regarding the planned closure of the M4 over the weekend of their home fixture against Notts County on Saturday 19 September.
The Club raised significant concerns about the timing of the closure and the impact it will have on supporters travelling to the Select Car Leasing Stadium, as well as the wider Reading community and local road network.
In a statement the club said:
"During our discussions, we explored whether the essential works could be moved to an alternative weekend before SSEN's required completion deadline. We have now been advised that, due to the operational arrangements already in place, this is not possible.
"While we remain disappointed that the Club was not consulted before the closure was originally announced, we recognise the essential nature of the works and accept that the priority must now be to minimise the disruption they will cause.
"We are therefore working constructively with SSEN, National Highways and relevant local partners to explore measures which can help supporters plan their journeys and reduce the wider impact on the local area.
"Supporters attending the Notts County fixture should expect significant disruption to the road network and are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and allow additional time for their journeys."
Frustrated
Speaking to GHR club managing director Neil Peters added:
"The first concern is why weren't we asked? I kind of understand we weren't asked, we were told, but why weren't we asked? Why weren't we consulted? Why did we find out through somebody who works in our ticket office? So that's the frustration.
"It's very clear that date's not going to be changed, the date that they're going to do the works. So we now have to make sure that we do everything we can. It's going to affect our attendance for sure. I would have thought people will feel that they're going to avoid the area.
"If it affects our attendance and bums on seats, it will affect revenues. It will also affect the noise in the stadium. It will affect the reception of the team. Yeah, you could argue both teams, but it's a home game. You want your strongest crowd. Worried, concerned, I remain frustrated that this is as in football, or probably as in most walks of life, but this is an unforeseen curveball that we have no option but to manage to mitigate as best we can the problems that it's for sure going to heap on us."
In a media release SSEN said:
"We know there’s no ideal time to close one of the South of England’s busiest roads, even if it’s only for a couple of days. By selecting the weekend of 19th-20th September, we’ve tried to avoid the main holiday season and significant summer events. But the need to restore the network back to its previous state is a pressing one, to ensure the reliability of electricity supplies for millions of customers."