Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers enjoyed Reading reception
Brendan Rodgers acknowledges the Reading fans for their warm reception
Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers thanked Reading fans for their warm reception as he returned to haunt his old club with victory at the Madejski Stadium.
Rodgers has a 21-year relationship with Reading but was back for the first time since his dismissal as Royals boss last year after just six months in charge.
"I want to thank the Reading supporters who were chanting my name," he said.
"A sacked manager coming back to his old club doesn't usually get that welcome and it meant a lot to me."
Scott Sinclair's first-half winner - his ninth goal in 10 games - was Swansea's fourth win in six league games and fired the Welsh club to fourth in the Championship table.
Rodgers admitted he had "mixed emotions" about returning to his old club but appreciated the welcome - even though he guided his new side to just their second away win of the season.
Brendan Rodgers gives Swansea's display at Reading the thumbs up
"Reading was the right club but it just didn't happen for me," recalled Rodgers.
"It was the wrong time. Steve Coppell had gone and if we had started better it might have been different. At the time I left, we were improving.
"I had a cuddle with chairman Sir John Madejski who came in to see me before the game. We had a great relationship and he is a good man."
The Ulsterman was in charge of the Royals first team for just 21 games but managed just five league wins with Reading, winning just once at home, leaving them just one place clear of the relegation zone in the Championship.
Rodgers had spent 21 years at Reading as a player, then academy coach and manager - with coaching roles under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea in between.
And the fond memories continue as his Swans clinched their first victory at Reading for 25 years.
"The win is not sweeter because of my time here," insists Rodgers.
"I've got lots of friends here and the club has been a big part of my life, the club means a lot to me but I'm the manager of Swansea now and they have been fantastic for in my short time there.
"But it was important that we got three points."
Current Reading manager Brian McDermott was frustrated the Royals failed to win their fifth successive home league game.
But he did admit: "Brendan got a good reception and I was really pleased.
"It was right because he served the club well. He seems happy to be there (Swansea) and it's working for him."
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