In a historic turn of events, Reading Football Club has officially confirmed the sale of the club to Rob Couhig, marking the end of the tumultuous Dai Yongge era. The announcement, made on May 3, 2025, comes after years of uncertainty and turmoil for the club's loyal supporters, who have long awaited a change in ownership.
The supporters' group, Sell Before We Dai (SBWD), which was formed to advocate for the removal of Dai Yongge, expressed immense relief and joy over the news. In a statement, they said, "We are incredibly relieved and happy that Reading Football Club are finally under new ownership. It’s a day which we thought, at times, may never happen." The group reflected on the eight years under Yongge's leadership, stating, "Every single element of our club went backwards. The first team were relegated, the women’s team were essentially folded and staff were made redundant as every operational element of the club was cut back to the bare bones."
The takeover process has been described as "tortuous" and fraught with complications. SBWD noted that numerous bidders came and went during the lengthy negotiation period, but Couhig remained steadfast, demonstrating determination and commitment to the club. They expressed gratitude towards Couhig, stating, "Thank you for saving our 153-year-old club from oblivion." As the former owner of Wycombe Wanderers, Couhig brings a wealth of experience and a track record of improving club fortunes.
Reading's official statement confirmed that the sale includes not only the football club but also the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood training ground. The formal completion of the transaction is pending final legal technicalities but is expected to be finalized shortly. The English Football League (EFL) has agreed to extend the deadline for the divestment of Dai Yongge’s shareholding until its next Board Meeting on May 8, 2025, ensuring a smooth transition.
As the club prepares for its final match of the season against Barnsley, which could see them sneak into the League One play-offs, the atmosphere at the Select Car Leasing Stadium is electric. With a crowd of around 21,000 expected, Couhig will be present to witness the game, marking a significant moment as he steps into his new role as owner.
However, the transition is not without its challenges. Despite the excitement surrounding the takeover, Couhig's arrival has been met with mixed feelings among fans. A poll conducted on April 2 revealed that 46.5% of Loyal Royals had a negative view of him, while only 20.6% expressed a positive sentiment. Couhig's past actions, including his dismissive comments towards protesters and his legal disputes with Yongge, have left some supporters wary.
Nonetheless, many fans are hopeful that Couhig will bring much-needed stability and transparency to the club. SBWD emphasized the importance of collaboration with supporters, stating, "We hope Couhig runs Reading transparently, prudently, in collaboration with Reading fans and with regard for the club’s identity." This sentiment is echoed by those who believe that Couhig has the potential to rectify the damage done during Yongge's tenure.
As Reading embarks on this new chapter, Couhig's approach will be closely scrutinized. His proven track record at Wycombe Wanderers suggests he is capable of running the club prudently while aiming for improvement. However, the lingering concerns about the future of Reading’s academy and the Bearwood training ground remain. Fans are anxious about potential cost-cutting measures that could undermine the club's core values.
In the wake of the announcement, SBWD has declared that their mission as a protest group has come to an end. They plan to transition into STAR (Supporters Together and Active in Reading), keeping their social media channels open to support other clubs in need. The group stated, "We’ve been sold before we Dai’d," signifying a sense of closure after a long and arduous campaign.
As for Couhig, he is now tasked with winning over the remaining skeptics among the fanbase. His ability to engage with supporters and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the club’s identity will be crucial in the coming months. While the wounds from the Yongge era may take time to heal, there is a collective hope that Couhig will lead Reading Football Club into a brighter future.
In conclusion, the sale of Reading FC to Rob Couhig represents a significant milestone in the club's history. After years of struggle, uncertainty, and disappointment, fans are eager to embrace this new beginning. With a commitment to transparency and collaboration, Couhig has the opportunity to restore faith in the club and guide it back to success. Welcome to Berkshire, Rob.
