Ex-Reading owner Madejski 'delighted' by takeover

Reading FC's former chairman and owner Sir John Madejski said he was "absolutely delighted" the club will be taken over by American businessman Rob Couhig.

Sir John said he was pleased the "tyranny" of Dai Yongge's ownership is set to end with Couhig's takeover expected to be confirmed on Thursday.

The Royals' owner from 1990 to 2012 said he expected the "sensible, pragmatic" Couhig, who previously owned Wycombe Wanderers, to be successful.

The club finished the League One season in seventh place on Saturday, performing above expectations despite financial uncertainty dragging on through the season.

Sir John said he felt particularly sorry for staff who had been uncertain about getting paid.

"Everyone's got obligations and when you work in that kind of environment it's jolly scary and my heart goes out to them," he said.

The club's difficulties included a six-point deduction in the 2023/24 season for its men's team and regular protests from supporters against Yongge's ownership.

Its successful women's side – which had been in the Women's Super League as recently as May 2023 – now plays in the fifth tier after it exited the Championship in June following financial uncertainty.

"The good thing about Rob is he knows the industry. He earned his spurs at Wycombe so he does know about the game," Sir John added.

Sir John took over as chairman of Reading in 1990 and moved the club to the-then Madejski Stadium in 1998.

He oversaw its first promotion to the top flight in 2006 and a second promotion to the Premier League in 2012.

"So many owners we have had in the past, where they think they are going to make a huge difference and change everything, and quite frankly apart from having a lot of dosh they haven't got a clue," Sir John added.

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