Reading Football Club has faced a challenging period due to financial issues impacting their on-field and off-field performance. Manager Ruben Selles is hopeful that a resolution to the ongoing takeover saga is near. The deal is reportedly set to be finalized with a consortium led by former Wycombe Wanderers chairman Rob Couhig, who is expected to take control of the club.
Last season, Reading were deducted four points and finished 16th in League One. This marked the third consecutive campaign in which the club has faced a penalty and points deduction for breaches of financial regulations.
Despite a transfer embargo, Reading managed to maintain their League One status. Just four seasons ago, they narrowly missed out on a spot in the Championship play-offs. Former Southampton manager Ruben Selles played a crucial role in helping the Royals secure survival last season. Despite numerous off-field issues and significant player departures, the club made effective use of their limited resources, finishing 11 points clear of the relegation zone.
Selles made the team exciting to watch, with Reading scoring 68 goals, the seventh-highest in the division. They also ranked highly for shots per game, shots on target per game, and dribbles per game, continuing to play an open and expansive style of football.
After a pre-season win over Woking, Ruben Selles addressed the ongoing takeover saga during an interview with BBC Radio Berkshire, as reported by Wokingham Today:
“I think it’s coming to an end. The sooner, the better.
“Once we have clarity, it will be beneficial not just for our football operations and transfers, but also for the club as a whole.
“I mentioned last season that I stopped focusing on the potential takeover or ownership changes and concentrated on developing the squad instead.
“Hopefully, the takeover will bring more stability and support. If it allows us to bring in a couple of players, we’ll welcome that and do our best with the new additions.
“If not, I’m content with where we are. I’m confident we can maintain our relationship with the fans and continue playing an attractive brand of football with our young players and winning matches.”
Regardless of the takeover status, Reading will aim for another season of consolidation, as League One is expected to be highly competitive at the top. If Ruben Selles can keep the club clear of relegation and secure a top-half finish, it would be a remarkable achievement given the level of competition in the third tier this season.
However, the positive news does not extend to the women’s team. Due to financial difficulties, they have applied to compete in the fifth tier, which means they will not be playing in the Championship this coming season.