Don Goodman issues Reading FC prediction concerning takeover and 2024/25 campaign | OneFootball

The proud Berkshire club have endured the disastrous tenure of Dai Yongge, but now have renewed optimism that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Everyone connected with Reading FC is hoping that the tenure of current owner Dai Yongge is nearing its end and pundit Don Goodman believes that what the Royals were able to achieve on the pitch last season was "miraculous".

Under the management of Ruben Selles, the club were able to finish in 17th place in League One last season, despite enduring numerous points deductions, fan protests that went as far as the Houses of Parliament, as well as general ups and downs of an EFL season.

But it is now reported that former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig is hoping to take charge of the football club in a matter of weeks, as the American businessman looks to bring to an end a period of suffering for all those who hold the club close to their hearts.

The Telegraph report that the 75-year-old has agreed a deal to purchase the Royals from Yongge, and that sources are cautiously predicting that the sale can be finalised in the next two weeks.

Don Goodman: "My heart goes out to Reading fans"

Goodman discussed the prospect of the takeover being completed in the desired time frame, the achievements on the pitch, and what the future looks like for the club going forward.

Via OLBG, Goodman said: "There aren't really any signs that the takeover will be sorted within the next month or before the season starts. My heart goes out to the Reading fans, they've had to deal with charges, points deductions, players not being paid and transfer embargos. They've been protesting against Dai Yongge, and rightly so.

"Despite all of that, they finished 17th and that's pretty miraculous. For me, Ruben Selles would have been up there for League One manager of the season. Especially when you consider the squad overhaul and the amount of players that arrived. At the start of last season, he pretty much had to introduce a group of strangers to each other and form them into a team. I think he did that really, really well.

"I see the accounts, that were due to be submitted by June 30th, are overdue. But I did read that a historical mortgage loan from 2014 has been settled and hopefully that's the ownership tidying accounts prior to sanctioning a sale.

"It was also sad to hear that their women's team has had to drop down from the Championship to the fifth tier and turn amateur. They've also had to close the women's academy, which provided football for young girls in the local area.

So what does the future for Reading FC possibly look like in Goodman's opinion? "Ultimately, I do believe they will be okay," said the pundit and former player.

"Once the takeover is complete, no matter what league they're in, and let's hope it's League One or better, the fans will be able to smile again.

"But at the moment, it is very hard to see how they can possibly compete at the top end of League One with all of this going in the background and with the squad that they currently have.”

Royals fans deserve their club back

In truth, very little good has arrived at Reading FC since Yongge's arrival back in 2017.

Numerous points deductions, charges being brought against them, staff wages going unpaid and an appearance in court are all on the Chinese tycoon's Royals rap sheet.

Yet somehow, the club were able to remain a Championship club up until the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, and were able to avoid League One relegation last season by nine points.

Talented players still litter their squad, and in their Spanish boss Selles, they no doubt have one of the most highly respected and admired gaffers in the EFL.

Goodman is right, by some miracle, Reading Football Club have still been able to get a lot of things right away from Yongge's influence, and could be set for a very bright future once again under new ownership.

But most importantly, as do supporters of all football clubs, Royals fans just want an owner who gets their club.

Reading's fans have suffered long enough, and they continue to have unwavering support from across English football to see the Yongge chapter closed in their book of history, and a new one opened under Couhig, or anyone else for that matter.