"A really good call" - Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit reacts to Reading FC transfer claim from Rob Couhig | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has told FLW his reaction to Rob Couhig's transfer strategy as new Reading FC owner

Lee Hendrie has compared the situation at Reading to what it was like at Bolton Wanderers in recent years.

New owner Rob Couhig has confirmed that the club are likely to focus on free transfers following his takeover of the League One side.

The Royals were in a difficult financial situation prior to the American’s purchase of the Berkshire outfit, which even led to points deductions and transfer embargoes.

However, it is now a new era for Reading, and supporters will be hopeful that brighter days are ahead, with the team just narrowly missing out on a play-off place earlier this month.

Lee Hendrie makes Reading transfer claim

Hendrie believes it will be sensible for Reading to focus on free agent signings for the time being, comparing their situation to when Bolton changed owners in 2019.

He has also claimed that being upfront with supporters about their plans is a positive step forward for the club.

“I think it’s a really good call from him,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.

“At least he’s letting the fans know, and he’s letting the club know, what his incentives are and what his plans are.

“Because, I think new owners come in and they think they can brand cash and throw cash at it.

“I think Bolton did something similar, speaking to Ian Evatt and they really had to stabilise the football club first and foremost by bringing free transfers in.

“Stuff like that just to re-establish, keep a nice and solid foundation and build from this.

“Which is probably the best idea.

“It’s a big football club, and I think it’s very, very similar the Bolton situation was, they went further down the leagues, but they had to rebuild and literally budget-wise was very low for a big football club.

“But I think letting people know that, I think people understand it better.”

Reading finished seventh in the League One table, with Noel Hunt’s side missing out on a top six finish by three points, despite several issues behind the scenes under previous owner Dai Yongge.

Couhig’s strategy is a smart short-term fix for Reading

Reading will have greater financial concerns to be worried about right now than who they can sign in the transfer market.

Focusing on free agents might not allow them to build the best team possible, but it gives them the best long-term chance at recovery to their former glory.

Bolton have been able to rebuild the club in the years since their takeover, and have been on the cusp of promotion back to the Championship, so they are a good comparison.

Supporters will be understanding of the situation, and will just be happy to have their survival guaranteed again after how serious the threat of extinction became under the previous ownership.