Reading FC is in a dispute with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) over planned motorway closures that threaten to cause major disruption for a key home fixture. The club's managing director, Neil Peters, has accused the utility company of 'poor planning' for scheduling work on the M4 during a League One match weekend.
Why is Reading FC objecting to the M4 closure?
SSEN has scheduled a closure of the M4 between junctions 10 at Winnersh and 11 at Reading to run new high-voltage wiring. This essential work follows a pylon damaged in a storm last February and is needed before October's increase in electricity demand. The closure is set to begin at 21:00 on Friday, 18 September and last until 06:00 on Monday, 21 September. This window directly impacts Reading's home match against Notts County scheduled for Saturday, 19 September. Peters said the closure would cause 'an awful lot of issues for Reading Football Club to pick up' for fans and staff trying to reach the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The club argues that SSEN approved the work before the 2026/27 League One fixtures were released in June, meaning the clash was avoidable. Reading was informed of the closure only via a phone call to its ticket office, with no prior consultation. Peters has requested SSEN move the work to either the second or fourth Saturdays of September, which correspond to Reading's away matches at Cambridge United and Wycombe Wanderers respectively, to minimise the impact on home supporters.
What has the club said about the disruption?
On Wednesday, Reading FC posted an official statement on its website recognising the essential nature of the network maintenance. The statement, reported by the BBC, said the priority must be to minimise disruption from the works. It warned that both Reading and Notts County fans should expect significant travel problems and strongly encouraged all supporters to plan ahead and allow considerably more time for their journeys. The club's current league position adds urgency to the situation, as they sit 23rd in League One with just one point from their opening two games, having scored three goals but conceded four.
How has SSEN responded to the criticism?
An SSEN spokesperson defended the scheduling, stating that bill payers contribute to essential network maintenance through standing charges. The spokesperson estimated that rescheduling the work at short notice would increase costs to consumers by hundreds of thousands of pounds, a prospect they described as not viable. However, SSEN acknowledged Reading FC's concerns and said they had offered to help communicate diversion routes to spectators. The utility company is now talking to the club directly to arrange another meeting later this week to discuss the issue further.
What does this mean for Reading's upcoming schedule?
The timing of this transport headache is far from ideal for the Royals. They face a busy period, with a home game against high-flying Mansfield Town coming up on 2 September, as shown on our fixtures page. Currently sitting six points behind early leaders Blackpool, every point is vital. The potential for travel chaos before the Notts County game could affect both the atmosphere and the team's preparation. Fans are advised to check the club's website and our standings page for the latest travel updates and league context. The club will hope for a swift resolution with SSEN to ensure focus remains on the pitch, where improving recent form of two draws and losses is the immediate priority.
