Charlie Savage is immensely proud of his father, but he wants to get one over on him in a first round FA Cup tie at Peterborough United
Charlie Savage is immensely proud of his father, but he would like nothing more than to knock him out of the FA Cup at the Weston Homes Stadium on Saturday.
Savage is hoping to make a rare start for Reading this season in tomorrow’s first round FA Cup tie at Peterborough United, the club managed by his father Robbie.
The pair are part of a very close knit family and an otherwise drab draw between two League One rivals has been brightened by a clash between two Savages.
It’s the only reason TNT Sport are broadcasting the match live (8pm kick off).
Savage Junior spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire on Friday. He said: “My phone went mad after the draw was made. My first thought was we must have drawn Oxford, our local rivals, but then I saw it was Peterborough and my first reaction was excitement at going up against my dad.
"It will be a fun occasion, but we will both be very professional about it. It’s not just about me and dad it’s about two good League One clubs who want to get through in the FA Cup.
"We do speak a lot, but we are good at putting work to one side. He doesn’t want to listen to me going on about Reading all the time and I don’t want to talk about Peterborough all the time.
“He’d never ask me anything ahead of this week’s game as he knows I wouldn’t tell him anything! We are two winners who want to win this game.
"When I first came to Reading it was very special to be part of a team with a lot of free transfer players. And families buy into that sort of thing and, as dad wasn’t with a club at the time, he was always here supporting me. He’s very fond of Reading and he got to know a few of the players.
"We both have a lot of respect for Reading for how they’ve treated me and for giving me the opportunity to play for them.
“I’m very proud of him. He played over 350 Premier League games and captained four different teams. He’s then built a successful career in the media and now he’s working his way up the ranks as a coach.
"I’m most proud of his endeavour, his personality and his never-say-die attitude. Lots of people have wanted him to fail, but that just makes him more determined to prove them wrong. He has an infectious attitude and a great desire to win, and they are skills I’ve taken with me.
"I don’t follow Peterborough avidly because I am very focussed on my job at Reading and with doing my best for them. The results are always important though as they determine how happy the household will over the rest of the weekend!
I haven’t played as much this season, but I come into work every day and do my best. The manager here is very consistent in his messaging and the next game is always the most important one.
"If I play I will try and enjoy the occasion and hopefully get one over my dad!”
Savage junior is out of contract at the end of this season and there has been some predictable chatter about son joining father at London Road in January.
"I’m not planning on leaving here anytime soon,” Savage added. “Unless I’m forced out!
"And that’s no disrespect to Peterborough who are a fantastic club, but I want to help Reading get promoted. I haven’t thought any further ahead.”
Reading are currently sixth in League One, while Posh are 22nd. Savage has yet to start a League One game for ‘The Royals’ this season but has started cup games.