Nigel Howe, the former CEO of Reading FC, asserted that the team possesses “everything” required to succeed at the highest levels of football.
Owner Dai Yongge has given Howe the responsibility of managing the club’s sale, and he is currently in talks with a number of parties.
During an interview with Battle and Bunce Talking Properties podcast, Howe described the specifics of the takeover conversation.
“When I’m talking to potential buyers, who may not have had much experience with Reading, I tell them to look it up on a map and consider its location in relation to London,” he stated.
“If you consider the other League One and Championship teams that could be acquired, as well as the resources that Reading possesses. The stadium’s quality as a Premier League training ground is what I mean by assets. “Look, you’re getting a lot of assets for your money,” you must say.
This would be an easy decision if it were a real estate transaction.
“With football, it’s the unknowns. the possibility that no matter what league you play in, you will always lose money. Making money is possible, but it’s really challenging, especially if you want to succeed because you need to make the right kind of squad investments.
“Mr. Dai has made investments in the team over the past few years, but the wrong players haven’t made it work. It won’t work no matter how many talented players you have if you don’t get the right mix under the right manager.
“I think Reading has everything it takes to take a football team from where it is now to the top of the game,” the speaker said.
Howe also mentioned Sir John Madejski, the former chairman of the club, and expressed the opinion that he ought to be involved in the club’s future.
“Where are we with the sale, Nigel?’ is the first question he asks me at every home game,” he went on. And how may I assist?
“You have to give Sir John credit; he is outstanding and keeps elevating Reading Football Club to a prominent position. He fervently wishes it hadn’t transpired the way it did in his mind.
“It would be fantastic if the next owner involved Sir John in any way. Many people ought to be kept active in football teams, and I hope that I will be among them.
