BASINGSTOKE Town have agreed a deal with Reading FC to host Barclays Under 21 Premier League games at the Camrose, with the first game taking place on Monday night.

The competition, which has replaced the old reserve league system, showcases some of the top youth prospects in the country but each team is also allowed to field a total of four over-21 players, three outfield and one goalkeeper. This gives senior players an opportunity to get a game in as they recover from injury, meaning top stars could make an appearance.

Bringing Reading’s under-21 side to the Camrose is a project that Town officials have been working on for some time and director Lee Atkins is delighted that it has come to fruition.

“We are very excited at the prospect of having Premier League players here at the Camrose,” he said. “Clubs are allowed to field over-age players, so I’m sure we’ll be seeing some established Premier League players as well as plenty of stars of the future.

“We have worked hard on this as a club and it’s been in the pipeline for some time, but as it’s governed by the Premier League, we’ve had to jump through a few hoops to get it sorted.

“It’s going to provide the club with revenue, a lot of prestige and will hopefully be a great attraction for football fans in the town.”

Town manager Jason Bristow added: “I think it will be great for the town and the club to welcome Premier League footballers to the Camrose.

“Everyone has worked really hard to make this happen and I hope it will be the start of a very good relationship. These are competitive games in a league format and not friendlies so they should be a really good watch.”

Reading’s first match at the Camrose is due to take place on Monday (kick-off 7pm), when FA Youth Cup holders Norwich City will be the visitors.

A further four games are also scheduled for the Camrose, with West Ham visiting on December 16, Sunderland making the long trip south on January 20, Manchester City the visitors on February 10 and Bolton Wanderers coming to Basingstoke on March 10.

There are also plans to bring Development League Cup matches to the Camrose, while it is hoped that the agreement will continue beyond this season.

Admission for the games will cost £3 for adults, while pensioners, under-16s and Basingstoke Town and Reading season ticket holders will pay £2.