Former Reading FC CEO Nigel Howe has claimed that Reading has ‘everything’ a club needs to go to the top of football.
Howe has been tasked by owner Dai Yongge in overseeing a sale of the club and is currently in discussion with several parties.
Speaking on the Battle and Bunce Talking Properties podcast, Howe explained the details of the discussion going on regarding a takeover.
He said: “When I’m talking to potential buyers who may not have great experience of Reading, but look at it on a map and looked at its location in comparison to London.
“If you look at the other clubs that could be bought in League One and the Championship, and look at the assets Reading have got. By assets I mean the quality of the stadium, a Premier League training ground. You’ve got to say ‘look, you’re getting a lot of assets for your money’.
“If this was a property deal, it would be a no brainer.
“With football it’s the imponderables. The fact you’re always going to lose money, potentially in whatever league you’re in. You can make money but it’s very difficult, particular when you want to be successful because you have to invest in the squad in the right way.
“Mr Dai has invested in the squad in the last few years, but it’s not worked with the right mix of players. You can have as many talented players, but if you don’t get the right mix with the right manager then it isn’t going to work.
“Reading itself, in my opinion, has just got everything you need if you want to take a football club where it is now right to the top of football.”
Howe also spoke about former club chairman Sir John Madejski and believes that he should be involved in the future of the club.
He continued: “The first question he asks me at every home game is ‘where are we with the sale, Nigel? And can I help?’
“You’ve got to give credit to Sir John, he’s remarkable and continues to put Reading Football Club front and centre. In his mind he desperately wishes it hadn’t gone the way it has.
“It would be great if any new owner gets Sir John involved in some way. There’s lot of people who should be kept involved in football clubs and I’d like to think I’ll be kept.”
