Wycombe put attempts to buy training ground from ailing Reading on hold
Wycombe have put plans to buy Reading’s training ground on hold “due to seeming planning limitations allowing only Reading FC to use the training grounds”.
Wycombe had been in talks with their cash-strapped neighbours over the purchase of their Bearwood Park training facility. The two clubs were hoping that a deal would “provide Reading with the necessary financial support to ensure that they are able to meet their ongoing financial obligations”.
A statement on Wycombe’s website read: “Importantly, it was agreed that while the details were being finalised and due diligence carried out, [Wycombe’s majority investor] Feliciana would provide sufficient financing to Reading to allow it to pay its tax obligations and operating expenses, including payroll for the staff and players.
“It was Wycombe and Feliciana’s belief that they were helping Reading and professional football with the offer to assist its neighbour in a manner that had historically been used in the past by many football clubs.”
The statement added: “Wycombe
Wanderers Football Club and Feliciana have to put on hold the discussions and ongoing due diligence due to seeming planning limitations allowing only Reading FC to use the training grounds.
“Wycombe continues to wish its neighbours good luck in solving its issues. For its part, Wycombe will continue its search for a training ground that meets its ambitions for the club.”
It is understood that Reading’s owners must spend any upfront payment linked to the sale of their training ground to Wycombe on keeping the club afloat.
Reading have had six points deducted this season after a series of failures by the club’s owner, Dai Yongge, to fulfil the club’s financial obligations under English Football League rules, with a further two points suspended. Reading sit 18th, seven points above the League One relegation zone.
The PA news agency has approached Reading for comment.