William Storey makes controversial Dai Yongge claim amid Reading FC turmoil | OneFootball

Storey spoke out after it had emerged that Rob Couhig's deal to take control of the club collapsed.

William Storey has admitted that he has some sympathy for Reading owner Dai Yongge, after a takeover deal collapsed.

Posting on X, Storey also claimed that Mr Dai is "not obliged" to sell the club on the cheap, despite what has happened at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in recent years.

Cash flow issues have been a problem and financial worries, that were eased when it looked as though Rob Couhig was going to buy the Royals, have now become a genuine concern once again with the deal falling through.

On Wednesday, the League One club claimed that they had enough funds to last them until a sale is complete, but when that takeover will happen remains to be seen.

It doesn't seem as though there have been any official bids for the club at this point - and that will be a major concern for supporters - who will want to see a takeover happen as quickly as possible.

This saga will have a major impact on both manager Ruben Selles and the players, as well as the supporters.

And that won't help performances on the pitch, so a conclusion to this ongoing issue needs to happen sooner rather than later.

Unfortunately, it may take quite a long time for a sale to happen, considering checks will need to be done before then, and an agreement between the buyer and the seller will also need to be struck.

That won't be an easy task - and the players, staff and fans may have to wait a while for some positive news again.

William Storey reveals sympathy for Dai Yongge despite huge Reading FC fan criticism

Storey, who previously claimed that he was interested in buying the club before pulling out, had his say on the situation at the SCL Stadium after Couhig's deal fell through.

He posted: "I have some degree of sympathy for Dai Yongge despite our deal foundering after DD.

"He invested hundreds of millions into Reading & was rinsed by advisors & agents. He delivered funds but those he employed clearly didn't deliver.

"He is not obliged to sell cheaply."

Many Reading FC supporters will disagree with William Storey

A lot of fans have been protesting against Mr Dai for more than a year now - and it's clear that they want a sale as quickly as possible - regardless of price.

The manager and the players, as well as the fans, all deserve so much better.

Their 1-0 defeat against Leyton Orient was slightly disappointing, but the Berkshire side have actually made a fairly decent start to the season.

That risks being undone by off-field events, because Selles is clearly fed up with the situation, and you can understand why.

Ahead of their clash against Bolton Wanderers tomorrow, uncertainty remains and that is such a shame, because everyone associated with the club should be celebrating the start of a new era under Couhig.