Ex-Reading CEO wants to LIQUIDATE club 6 months after Dai Yongge exit
Reading have been served a winding-up petition by their former chief executive, Nigel Howe, less than seven months on from Dai Yongge's exit. The ex-Royals CEO is attempting to liquidate the club.
Former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig, along with business partner Todd Trosclair, purchased the League One club through investment vehicle Redwood Holdings. It brought Dai's controversial ownership to an end.
In March, Dai was disqualified under the EFL’s owners’ and directors’ test and had been ordered to divest or risk the imposition of sanctions, including Reading being suspended from Sky Bet League One. Howe was tasked with overseeing the club's sale last year.
Howe claims to be owed almost £100,000 by Reading after obtaining a County Court Judgment against the club last month, according to Telegraph Sport
Howe's association with Reading started when John Madejski became the club's owner three decades ago. The figure held several roles in Berkshire, including a stint as CEO and a period as vice chairman.
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Reading have acknowledged the dispute and denies the claims made against them. Howe is hoping to come to a settlement.
Reading said in a statement: “Reading Football Club confirms that it is in an ongoing dispute with Mr Nigel Howe. The club denies any claims made against it.
"Given the ongoing dispute and potential legal proceedings, the club will not be making any further comment at this time.”
Howe’s legal representative, Peter Coyle of Coyle White Devine, said: "My client, Nigel Howe, has no comment to make, save that he very much hopes for an amicable settlement with Reading FC soon."
Last term, supporters thanked new owner Couhig for 'saving the club from oblivion'. A Reading fans’ protest group welcomed the takeover.
Sell Before We Dai said in a statement: “It’s a day which we thought, at times, may never happen.
“We are incredibly relieved and happy that Reading Football Club are finally under new ownership. In the eight years of the Dai Yongge era, every single element of our club went backwards.
“Today is a day for celebration and that starts by welcoming Rob Couhig. Thank you for not giving up on us, thank you for saving our 153-year-old club from oblivion.”
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