Reading FC: Rob Couhig completes takeover of League One club

BBC Radio Berkshire’s Reading commentator Tim Dellor:

The deal is over the finish line!

Eleven days ago we were told it had been agreed in principle, but this statement – the last of dozens issued by the EFL and Reading FC over the last couple of years – brings the sorriest saga in Reading FC’s history to an official end.

The last couple of legal technicalities, and the signing of documents, had been complicated by Dai Yongge being in China, and Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair being in the States.

After so many missed deadlines, collapsed deals and rumours on social media, fans were just starting to get anxious again, but now, for the first time in years they can relax.

Yongge and his sister Dai Xiu Lee have left the building, and have no stake in the club.

The training ground and stadium are all wrapped up in this deal, which is also good news, there had been a fear during the sales process the three entities might be split up.

Couhig and Trosclair arrive under the banner of Redwood Holdings, that’s the company that now owns Reading FC.

They nearly got a deal over the line last September, and it looked as if with that deal collapsing their chance was gone.

Dogged determination, and some brilliant knowledge of corporate law, provided them with a second chance.

They arrive as knights in shining armour. Some of their recent tactics to acquire the club may not have been to everyone’s liking, but such was Yongge’s unpopularity, all fans will now be rejoicing.

Couhig and Trosclair will use their experience owning Wycombe Wanderers to right the ship at the SCL.

For me, Reading is a far bigger club – with a bigger fanbase and higher expectations – but expect forensic accountancy, some prudent signings as they try and build a squad capable of getting back up into the Championship, and above all a renewed sense of optimism around the place.

There wasn’t much of that about during Yongge’s tenure.