Reading have been on a steady decline over the last decade.
A number of bottom-half Championship finishes eventually culminated in relegation to League One last season, with the Royals returning to the third tier for the first time since 2002.
This season has not gone quite to plan for the Royals, though, with the club embroiled in a relegation battle, trying to avoid playing in the fourth tier since 1992.
The club has been given points deductions for the last three seasons, due to the financial issues surrounding the club because of their owner, Chinese businessman Dai Yongge.
In each season they have seen six points be deducted, with the points being deducted last season ending up relegating them. The club are hoping this does not end up being the case for a second successive season.
The Royals are currently seven points clear of the relegation zone, but most teams below them have at least a game or two in hand.
| League One Table (18th-21st) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (As of March 18th) | P | GD | Pts | |
| 18 | Reading | 39 | -2 | 42 |
| 19 | Burton Albion | 38 | -19 | 39 |
| 20 | Cambridge United | 38 | -23 | 39 |
| 21 | Cheltenham Town | 37 | -20 | 35 |
Here is the latest news regarding the potential takeover of Reading.
Group close to being given exclusivity
According to the Reading Chronicle, Reading are in ‘advanced exclusivity talks’ with prospective buyers from North America.
It is said that the deal would involve buying the club and Reading’s home ground, the Select Car Leasing Stadium and a deal could be agreed in principle this week.
This came as brilliant news after a tumultuous week for Royals fans, following the news of the proposed sale of the training ground.
Fans protest against training ground sale
Reading announced on Thursday afternoon that they had agreed a deal to sell their Bearwood Park training ground to divisional rivals Wycombe Wanderers. A deal is not finalised yet, but Wycombe do have exclusivity.
Outraged by the news, Reading fans, and some Wycombe supporters, gathered to protest outside of Wycombe’s home ground of Adams Park on Friday evening, in protest.
Reading fans’ campaign group, Sell Before We Dai, told the BBC that “selling one of the club’s key assets makes the club even less attractive to a new owner”.
Former Reading players speak out on training ground sale
The sale of the training ground at Reading has garnered attention nationwide, prompting responses from key figures associated with the club, including former players. Several ex-Reading players took to their social media accounts to express their opinions on the news.
Kevin Doyle, a former Royals striker who was part of the record-breaking Championship-winning side in the 2005/06 season, expressed his discontent on his social media account, labeling the situation as a disgrace and criticizing the fit and proper owners test conducted by the EFL.
Yakou Meite, who recently joined Cardiff City after spending seven years at Reading, shared his sadness about the developments at the club and expressed hope for a swift resolution, acknowledging the impact on fans and club personnel.
Tom McIntyre, who departed his boyhood club for Portsmouth in January, also voiced his strong disapproval of the decision, describing it as shocking and nothing short of a disgrace.
The responses from these former players reflect the concern and empathy they hold for Reading Football Club during its challenging times. Their public statements may provide reassurance and solidarity to Reading fans amidst the uncertainty surrounding the club’s situation.
GET MORE NEWS HERE