Martin Law is a constant at Reading City – Football in the Berkshires

This interview was originally published in the special matchday program for Reading City’s FA Vase Fourth Round tie at home to Lymore Gardens in January 2026.

Martin Law has enjoyed league and cup success during his 35-year tenure, but the Reading City chairman believes the FA Vase can provide him with his most memorable moment in football.

This fourth round match was a breaking point for him, but he hopes his club’s Vase achievements will continue to this day.

While Simon Johnson and his team are the main focus, Martin is on hand to handle off-field activities, ensuring Lymore Gardens FC, special guests and match officials are well looked after.

Martin is without doubt one of the most experienced and longest serving chairman of a local football club.

His commitment to the game extends beyond Reading City, as he is chairman of the Thames Valley Premier League, and he is also Director of Grassroots Football for Berks & Bucks FA, leading their development across the region.

No wonder he said: “I live a very busy life.”

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In his early years he played Sunday football for Whitchurch, but as an administrator he began to make a name for himself in local football.

He was particularly involved with Highmoor-IBIS, and remembers them going through the season undefeated. They reached the league and Norfolkian Cup finals, and in 2006 they won the Reading Senior Cup, beating Woodley Town 4–1 in the final at the Madejski Stadium.

Martin also recalled the days of the club playing their first Step 6 game and lifting the Southern Combination Cup for the first time in 2024, beating Horley Town 5-2 at Rivermoor.

“But I think today will be something above all else,” he said. “This is a historic match for the club as we have never reached this stage before, and it would mean a lot to us and the city as a whole if we could win and reach the last 16.

“There will probably be some viewers watching us for the first time, and I hope they enjoy their visit here, the facilities we provide, and will want to come back to see us again in the future.”

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So, what does the chairman expect from today’s opponents, Lymore Gardens?

“They have played Step 6 clubs in previous rounds, mostly on their own turf, so coming to us will be something completely new for them.

“Because they are from East London, I think they will be a physical team, and it will be up to our players to match them. Looking at their record, they are in good form. They have never lost in December, so it will be interesting to see how they perform today.”

“At this stage of the Vase, there won’t be any easy games, and I’m glad we’re playing at home on grass.”

Groundhoppers here today will be able to buy Reading City badges and bottle openers, and we also have special mugs, which are popular as well as the club’s now legendary food offerings.

Addendum: A large crowd on the day witnessed a strong Reading City performance in the first half with Tyler Robinson putting the Cityzens 1-0 up at half time. But in the second half, the visitors – who looked very capable in the first half – improved their own form and were worthy winners. Reading City’s progress to the Fourth Round means they will have a bye in the Second Round of the Vase next season (subject to any rule changes) if they do not gain promotion to Step 4 this season.