Pundit Carlton Palmer tells Reading fans to accept ex-Wycombe owner Rob Couhig who currently leads the way in takeover talks.
The Reading Chronicle report that Rob Couhig, who recently stepped down from his position at Wycombe, is currently in advanced negotiations to take over at the Berkshire outfit.
This potential move has caused a stir with some Reading fans, after a group of fans protested against Couhig’s plan in trying to move Wycombe into Reading’s Bearwood Park training ground earlier this year.
However, the transaction was halted due to planning restrictions preventing other clubs from using the facility.
Reading fans felt Rob was taking advantage of the League One club’s financial struggles, hence why Couhig may not be warmly received by the fanbase.
But now he could be the man, as part of a consortium, to takeover from Dai Yongge.
Click HERE or the photo below to watch Rob’s final interview for Wycombe…
Palmer said to Football League World: “Former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig is allegedly leading the Reading takeover bid.
“Listen, there’ll be some controversy here with the supporters because Rob was part of the Wycombe consortium that was trying to buy Reading’s training ground, but eventually the deal fell through.
“Rob has eventually sold out to Wycombe and in his four years with the Chairboys , he club won promotion to the Championship for the first time in their history.
“Although Reading fans might not be happy, this could be good news for them. They just need to get somebody in who will inject some money into the football club and get them back to its former glories.
“I know there was some disconnect with Wycombe trying to buy the training ground, but with everything that has gone on at Reading, they should be welcoming someone like Rob, who’s got the money to give the club some stability, give them a platform, and they can move on and have something to cheer about.
“Of course there’ll be resentment, but it’s one of those things, and they need to move on, look forward and look at it as a positive move for the future of Reading FC.”
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WYCOMBE STATEMENT
Rob Couhig has today called time on his tenure as chairman of Wycombe Wanderers Football Club. Dan Rice – who was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors and Chief Football Officer last month – will take over as Interim Chairman of the Board of Directors.
After arriving at Adams Park as a director in 2019 and becoming majority shareholder and chairman several months later, Rob – together with his wife Missy and nephew Pete – played an integral role in the club’s promotion into the Championship for the first time, as well as guiding the Blues through the challenges of the pandemic and achieving five of the club’s six highest all-time league finishing positions.
Mikheil Lomtadze commented:
“I have the utmost respect and appreciation for the work that Rob and his family have done at Wycombe Wanderers. During the many months that I have got to know him, he has become a friend and someone that I have been able to trust and call on for advice and guidance.
“Rob will always be welcome at Adams Park and I firmly believe that everyone at Wycombe Wanderers will always remember and appreciate the wonderful five years that they were able to enjoy during Rob’s leadership.”
Rob Couhig said:
“My commitment when I first became associated with Wycombe was to upgrade the infrastructure, enhance the game day experience, diversify and solidify revenue, operate efficiently and in a financially sustainable manner, and create an environment that would allow the club to compete in the Championship. While I may be biased in my view, I believe we have accomplished those goals.
“While there are many people I wish to thank by name, I will save that for another time. For now, I do want to thank Missy and Pete for their advice, work, laughter, friendship, love, and absolute support. Without them, the journey could not have been taken nor been as successful or fun.
“As we learn in Ecclesiastes, to everything there is a season. For me, my official relationship is now over but I will always remember with fondness and joy my days as a Chairboy.”
Dan Rice said:
“I am honoured to take on the role as Interim Chairman of the Board of Directors. I look forward to working with the rest of the board and the Supporters’ Trust to take the club forward, and have been extremely impressed by what I’ve experienced of the running of the club during my time already.
“Mikheil, Eduard and I have a vision for this club which is heavily focused on youth development and integrating technology with data analytics to take our sporting performance to new levels. That journey will involve making sustainable, data-driven improvements and developments across the entire club.
“We have been working around the clock to prepare the football department in the best possible manner for the new season but also for the longer-term future, and look forward to seeing these plans come to fruition.”
Twitter users reacted while pundit Carlton Palmer, via Football League World, tells Reading fans to accept ex-Wycombe owner Rob Couhig who leads the way in takeover talks…
@marcwill86: To all @ReadingFC fans if you do get Rob Couhig you’ll have a very bright future.
@bluewhitewall: Hot take, he could be good for us. Long term we may be limited under him but ultimately he will make sure we are well run. He left Wycombe in a better place and may have got them a good owner, whereas John sold to a fraud. Early days but he sounds like a good buyer and no fraud.
@JPrentice8: He really wants that training ground eh
@SBeaverss: Always been a fan of him #readingfc
@TransfernewsRFC: Couldt care anymore. Get this over with. #readingfc
@ronniemac93: I mean beggars can’t be choosers #readingfc
@jonathan_lara: You literally couldn’t make this up….. #readingfc
@skb777: When I heard the Wycombe podcast that had the Couhig interview on it – I couldn’t help but find him likeable and wish he had us instead of them. Have a listen to him without your bias on and you have to agree. #ReadingFC
@ChrisCooper_22: Rob Couhig is a good guy, never afraid to face fans and will not hide away. He was so good for us and ultimatley was part of the reason we were sold on, he made us an attractive club to outsiders. He will do wonders for you, some fans need to move on from the training ground saga
@JamieKettlewell: Yeah, as others have said, he’s a good guy. Enthusiastic, ambitious but with a sensible side that keeps a sustainable approach in mind. You won’t do much better but you could do a LOT worse. If he manages to get a deal across the line, you’ll be safe in his hands.
An interesting piece from my colleague @James_BFP on what Rob Couhig could potentially bring to Berkshire if his interest ends with a sale #readingfc https://t.co/8akMWkNd3W
— James Earnshaw (@james_e1871) June 12, 2024
@lewie74: Just listen to it, very level-headed, and remind me of Madejeski a bit.
@RussWWFC: TACRITE – He’s an excellent owner, sooner you flush the current turd down the khazi and get the takeover complete, the better.
@Tatum1871: Personally I’ve never read a bad thing to say about Rob Couhig! Always liked the bloke #ReadingFC
@georgestokes13: They all love Rob Couhig now 😂😂 could not write it
@Dubstep1988:
Re: Rob Couhig. Three things.
1. Wycombe are a well-run club, he left them in a better place. EFL no issue. A lot to like.
2. The first fans forum will be hilarious. He can thank us for our moronic actions, we can apologise for stickers.
3. This is very funny.
#readingfc
@monzzwwfc: If he actually buys it you lot will be fine he’s a great owner never put us in financial trouble
@stevedarney: He’s a good owner – if it’s to be … your in safe hands 👍🏼
@TheWycombeZone: Your in safe hands if he does takeover 👊
@JimNo1871: Always liked the bloke
@AFrankChristian: There is no doubt in my mind: Couhig sought to help Dai asset strip Bearwood, for the benefit of Wycombe as sold to Lomtadze (potentially for his own benefit in that deal), while also devaluing Reading to pave the way for his consortium to buy the club at a reduced price.
@rustyLDN: Just watched his Wycombe Q&A from 2 months ago, and I’ve changed my mind on this guy, he knows exactly how to run a football club in League One and is a passionate sports fan. He fully understands the potential in Reading FC. Everything is going to be ok 🙂
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