COULD oversized coffee mugs soon be on sale in the Royals Megastore?
A helicopter belonging to The Frasers Group was seen in the Select Car Leasing Stadium car park on Sunday, October 29, prompting speculation that Mike Ashley could be interested in buying Reading Football Club.
He runs Sports Direct, famous for its giant mugs, and the House of Fraser stores.
The visit comes a day after fans held a protest march from Blue Collar Corner ahead of their match against Portsmouth, airing their frustration at Dai Yonnge’s ownership of the club.
The game was nearly abandoned as fans continued to protest by throwing tennis balls onto the pitch, as they had done in previous home fixtures.
The Royals lost the game, putting them at the foot of the League One table.
The helicopters parked in the Select Car Leasing Stadium car park Picture: Phil Creighton
Mike Ashley owned Newcastle United between 2007 and 2021 before selling to a consortium comprising PCP Capital Partners, Reuben Brothers, and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.
He also owned a minority stake in Scottish club Rangers, and owns Coventry City’s stadium, the CBS Arena.
Although born in Walsall, he has links to the area: his first sports shop was opened in Maidenhead.
If Mr Ashley is interested, he is not the only one. Earlier this month, Reading FC issued a statement saying the club was up for sale, but no agreements were in place, and several interested parties had come to the table.
Among them was Rich Energy drink founder William Storey, with The Telegraph reporting that he had agreed terms with the club.
“All approaches are being assessed on their own merits to find the most suitable buyer to ensure a healthy future of the club and, at this stage, no single individual or entity has exclusivity in this process,” a Reading FC statement said.
Frasers Group has been contacted for a comment.
