Madejski admits importance of Zingarevich investment

Sir John Madejski believes the recent investment in the club by new Russian owner Anton Zingarevich is more important than ever.

Last season's npower Championship winners start their first season back in the top flight since 2008 by welcoming Stoke to the Madejski Stadium on Saturday, before tough trips to Chelsea and Sunderland. Madejski, 71, has been involved with Reading since 1990 and reckons the backing of Zingarevich and Thames Sport Investment will help the club progress. "I think it is absolutely essential," he told Press Association Sport. "We are still not running it in an irresponsible way, we are running it in a very responsible way but I think it helps that Reading Football Club now has the backing it has from Anton Zingarevich."