Football League World
·27. November 2024
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·27. November 2024
Another significant development has emerged in the Reading FC takeover situation
Prospective Reading FC buyer Rob Couhig is looking to bring a claim to the High Court to force through the previously agreed deal with Dai Yongge.
According to the Independent, the ex-Wycombe Wanderers owner is putting in a claim to the High Court in a bid to force a sale of the League One side.
Couhig previously had a deal agreed to purchase the Royals before it collapsed suddenly.
It was reported by the Reading Chronicle in September that the deal fell apart, but that other parties remained interested in taking over the Berkshire outfit.
However, no progress has since been made on a sale amid increasing pressure from supporters on Yongge to sell his stake in the club.
Couhig has expressed his shock at the manner in which business has been dealt with by the current Reading owner.
However, he is reportedly still pressing ahead with his plans to try and force through his purchase of the club.
“I was amazed and taken aback,” said Couhig, via the Independent.
“I am baffled.”
His comments sum up what has been a disastrous period for supporters, who are keen to see someone take over from Yongge.
It has been claimed that the initial deal agreed between the two businessmen was 90 per cent agreed, with Yongge’s signature being all that was missing.
However, the dotted line was never signed, and Couhig was reportedly repaid for the loans he gave to the club as part of the negotiation process.
Reading face the very serious threat of administration, with many in football expecting it to come to that if no deal is agreed soon.
Couhig could also pursue the option of seeking payment for a loss of profits from the failure to complete the initially agreed deal, although it’s believed this is low down on his list of priorities at this stage,as his ambition remains a takeover.
The Royals have fallen to League One in the last couple of years, and have been punished with multiple points deductions in recent seasons for falling foul of the EFL’s financial rules under Yongge.
Ruben Selles’ side finished 17th in the third division last year, and with the team now competing for promotion back to the Championship.
Next up for the club is an FA Cup second round clash against Harborough Town on 1 December.
Couhig would be a sensible owner for Reading to have given he has experience of working in football from his time with Wycombe.
He would certainly be a massive upgrade on Yongge, who has torched his reputation with his handling of the situation at the club.
Supporters deserve better than this, and the uncertainty won’t be helping Selles’ side either as they look to fight for promotion.
The club is running out of money quickly, so the sooner a solution of any kind can be found the better.
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