"I’m scared" - Claim made on new Reading FC, Dai Yongge takeover twist involving Rob Couhig | OneFootball

Reading owner Dai Yongge has been given until April 5 to sell the club after the EFL disqualified him.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Reading are facing up to a crucial few weeks after the EFL disqualified Dai Yongge from owning the club.

The Royals’ issues have been well known for the past few years, with fans having called for change regularly in that period.

However, much to their frustration, and despite several buyers showing interest at different points, a deal was never finalised, with Yongge still running the club.

Dai Yongge disqualified from owning Reading FC

One prospective buyer, Rob Couhig, has been embroiled in a court case with Yongge after he couldn’t get a takeover sorted, and a recent court ruling went in his favour.

Then, another development was shared, as the EFL announced that Yongge had been disqualified ‘under the Owners’ and Directors’ Test’, which required the owner to sell Reading by April 5.

If a sale of the Berkshire outfit doesn’t go through, the EFL now have the power to throw the club out of the leagues, so Reading have entered a huge period in their history.

Of course, the outcome everyone wants is a permanent sale, but the clock is ticking, and Reading fans have seen several buyers enter a period of exclusivity before falling through.

Therefore, when quizzed by FLW about the latest development, fan pundit Johnny admitted he is ‘scared’ about what the future holds for his club.

“Good riddance. He’s an absolute clown and it’s a shame it didn’t happen sooner. We’d still be in a mess, but it might have been solved by now.

“Of course, I’m worried about what will happen. The court case with Couhig went his way, and that’s got to be revisited in June but whatever amount he is going to get, if any, is a separate issue.

“The concern is that we’ve had over 500 days to sell the club, and it hasn’t happened. I hope it does, but like most fans, I’m scared he might kill the club off.

“Hopefully that won’t happen, and the EFL won’t let it happen, but whilst we’re in this state of limbo, it’s a scary prospect. You’re looking at it, another 30-40 days, the club might be gone. I don’t think people are over the top about it, it happened at Bury, and it could happen to another club - hopefully not us.

“Knowing typical Reading, it will be the first time we win the play-offs in our history and then we get kicked out of the league! Joking aside, it’s a nightmare and hopefully it will be resolved soon.”

Reading are a club with the potential to grow

It’s been a sorry period for Reading under Yongge, and the footballing world will hope they get this situation sorted before the EFL deadline.

On the pitch, there’s been a lot for the fans to enjoy, as a generally young squad has competed very well, and it's possible that they could secure a play-off finish.

Furthermore, they have continued to impress despite losing manager Ruben Selles to Hull City earlier in the campaign, with Noel Hunt stepping up as head coach.

So, there is a talented squad, and a loyal fan base, that offer foundations for the club to build on if they can finally get rid of Yongge.