In October 2024, non-league legend Dave Tarpey announced his retirement, having ruptured his ACL, calling time on an illustrious playing career. Soon after, he embraced a new chapter at Reading City Football Club, first using his goalscoring prowess to mentor our attack as our Dedicated Forward Coach before earning promotion to Assistant Manager alongside Michael Butcher ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Yet football, it seems, had one final twist in store. With injuries ravaging the squad, Tarpey, still nursing his own wounds did the unthinkable by coming out of retirement during our historic 4-0 win against Baffins Milton Rovers on Saturday 18th October much to everyone’s delight.

Simon Johnson, once again called upon Tarps during our 0-3 win on the road to Holyport on Saturday, and he scored an absolute wordlie of a free kick to earn our third goal and seal the win in dramatic fashion, proving that even scarred by injury, the magic in his boots remains.

In a poetic turn, the man who once left the game in pain became the hero it so desperately needed, scoring world-class goals and inspiring his team both on and off the field.

Following his remarkable return and incredible goal, we sat down with Dave Tarpey to hear his thoughts on coming out of retirement and stepping back onto the pitch despite injury.

What’s it been like playing again?

“I didn’t expect to be playing but needs must when we have so many injuries. But I’ve enjoyed it.”

How did it feel to score having hung up your boots and can we expect more?

“It felt good. That feeling of scoring never gets old. Hopefully we can get players back fit quickly so I won’t be needed too much.”

 How do you prepare for games whilst recovering from a ruptured ACL?

“⁠I don’t really prepare. I sit and watch and then get ready when Simmy [Simon Johnson] tells me I’m needed to give someone else a breather.”

A big thank you to Tarps for taking the time to speak with us and share his thoughts. His passion, dedication and inspiring return to the pitch continue to motivate everyone at Reading City Football Club, on and off the field.

If you’d like the chance to potentially see the legendary Forward in action once again, why not join us under the lights tomorrow evening as we take on Holyport here at the Rivermoor Stadium in our second meeting in four days. To find out more about this game and purchase tickets, view our official match preview .