In a dramatic turn of events, Reading FC has officially announced the sale of the club to US businessman Rob Couhig, bringing an end to the tumultuous era of Dai Yongge. The announcement came on Saturday morning, May 3, 2025, just hours before the Royals were set to face Barnsley in their final match of the League One season. This sale marks a significant moment in the club's 154-year history, as it transitions from a period marked by financial distress and uncertainty to one that promises stability and hope.
Reading's statement confirmed that the sale is to Redwood Holdings Limited, a company owned by Couhig and his business partner Todd Trosclair. The deal includes the club's home, the Select Car Leasing Stadium, and the Bearwood Park training ground. Couhig's arrival is expected to herald a new chapter for the club, which has faced severe challenges under Yongge's ownership.
Yongge, who became the majority shareholder in 2017, has overseen a period of decline that saw the club docked a staggering 18 points due to various financial irregularities, including late wage payments and breaches of financial rules. The EFL had previously disqualified Yongge under its owners' and directors' test, giving him a deadline of May 8, 2025, to divest his interests. The turmoil culminated in the women's team withdrawing from the Championship and now competing in the fifth tier.
Couhig's involvement in the club is seen as a beacon of hope. He had previously attempted to purchase Reading at the start of the 2024-25 season, but that deal fell through in September 2024 due to a breakdown in negotiations. However, with the latest agreement, fans are optimistic that the club can finally move forward.
James Earnshaw, a journalist for the Reading Chronicle, reported that Couhig would not have traveled from the United States unless a deal was "signed and done," indicating that the agreement is solid. Couhig's wife, Missy, shared a photo of him and Trosclair at an airport, further fueling excitement among supporters.
As the Royals prepare for their crucial match against Barnsley, they find themselves outside the League One playoff spots, needing a win to keep their hopes alive. Couhig's presence at the game is expected to boost morale among the players, who have endured uncertainty regarding their wages and the club's future. Noel Hunt, the team's manager, expressed optimism about the potential impact of the takeover on the squad's performance.
Fans have long awaited this moment, with many expressing their relief at the prospect of new ownership. The protest group Sell Before We Dai, which has campaigned for change, released a statement saying, "It’s a day which we thought, at times, may never happen. We are incredibly relieved and happy that Reading Football Club are finally under new ownership. In the eight years of the Dai Yongge era, every single element of our club went backwards. Today is a day for celebration and that starts by welcoming Rob Couhig. Thank you for not giving up on us, thank you for saving our 153-year-old club from oblivion."
Couhig, a former owner of Wycombe Wanderers, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His previous tenure at Wycombe saw the club achieve promotion to the second tier of English football for the first time in its history in 2020. His background in various industries, including real estate and pharmaceuticals, alongside his involvement in politics, suggests he has the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of football ownership.
As Reading approaches the final match of the season, the mood among fans is one of cautious optimism. The club's struggles under Yongge have been well-documented, with protests and calls for change echoing throughout the stands. The hope now is that Couhig's leadership will restore the club to its former glory and provide a stable foundation for future success.
Reading's last appearance in the Premier League was in the 2012-13 season, and since then, the club has seen a steady decline. The supporters are eager for a return to top-flight football, and Couhig's takeover is viewed as a pivotal step in that direction.
The club's announcement also included a statement from the EFL, which confirmed the extension of the deadline for Yongge's divestment until the next board meeting on May 8. This extension is crucial in ensuring a smooth transition of ownership and alleviating any remaining concerns about the club's future.
In summary, the sale of Reading FC to Rob Couhig signals a new era for the club. With a fresh start on the horizon, fans are hopeful that the days of financial turmoil and uncertainty are behind them. As they prepare to face Barnsley, the atmosphere at the Select Car Leasing Stadium is expected to be electric, with supporters rallying behind their team and their new owner.
