The chair of Reading Football Club, John Madejski, has been appointed the new Chancellor of the University of Reading, it was announced today.

Madejski will take over the post in December and succeeds Lord Carrington who was appointed the University’s sixth Chancellor in March 1992.

The decision to appoint Mr Madejski was taken by the University’s Council - the University’s executive governing body earlier this month.

Mr Madejski said: “I am honoured to be appointed Chancellor of the University of Reading and I look forward to promoting this well respected educational institution.

“This comes at a very exciting time where recent research has identified the town of Reading as being the number one economic performer.

The chancellor's role is seen to act not only as a figurehead for the University's activities, but also as an individual who will appeal to, and provide a role model for, the various constituencies the University serves, including most obviously its students and its local, national and international stakeholders.

Madejski became chairman of Reading F.C. in 1990, and has given his name to the club's Madejski Stadium.