Maurice George Evans

Maurice Evans blue plaque

Where is it

Situated by the ticket office/club shop, to the left of the main entrance opposite the main car park at the Madejski Stadium.

A bit of background

Born in Didcot, Maurice was a Berkshire lad (only Oxfordshire since 1974)) who played for the county town side. He signed for Reading aged 16 in 1952 as ground staff junior and played for Reading FC between 1955 and 1967 achieving 459 first team games. After leaving Reading and a short spell at Andover he became player coach at Shrewsbury becoming manager there in 1972. 1977 saw him back in Reading as manager where he managed the 1978-1979 championship winning team. He had an eye for potential and signed a number of players from non-league teams who went on to have successful careers. In 1984 he joined Oxford United as their Chief Scout and Youth Development Office. After taking over as manager in summer 1985 he led the team in their first season in the top flight of English football. His last role in football was on his return to Reading as Chief Scout from 1999 until his death in 2000 from a heart attack.

He is remembered for his huge knowledge and understanding of the game, his sincerity and his gentlemanly manner.

The plaque was unveiled in 2013.