Best to be kept in the dark until deal is done
NEVER have so many people collectively ignored the expression “better the devil you know”.
When it was announced Reading’s owner Dai Yongge, who has a satanic reputation among fans, had signed exclusivity with an unknown potential owner, there was much celebration.
We are all confident the next owner must be better than the current one.
Frankly, after the last six years of chaos, mismanagement and disappointment, no Reading fan has considered the possibility the next owner will be anything other than a saint with squillions of pounds amassed in an entirely honourable manner.
The deal will not be completed until May, but the rejoicing will begin in earnest on Good Friday, when Reading play Northampton.
Survival in League One remains the immediate priority.
Understandably, fans are trying to
find out who the exclusivity deal has been signed with.
Who will be next in the director’s box at the SCL? There is a real clamour to find out.
Non-disclosure agreements are in place for a good reason. Surely true fans will patiently wait to be told, relaxed in the knowledge the bills are now being paid and a deal is getting close.
If finding out who it is in any way risks the deal being completed, let’s be kept in the dark.
If the last couple of weeks has taught us anything when it comes to the Royals, surely it is that lots of social media speculation is illinformed, toxic and dangerous, and I’m not talking about Reading FC.
It doesn’t matter whether the subject is a princess or football club ownership, there’s far too much guff being spoken on social media by people who really don’t have a clue.
It’s only a minority – far less than 50 per cent of UK adults are on X, and far fewer actively contribute to conversations by posting anything.
Let’s hope the club and the potential new owner can get to the finish line without the world finding out.
It would demonstrate a high level of professional practice and bode well for the future.
Be wary of anyone using the deal as a publicity stunt or even as a negotiating tool for other footballing business.
It’s been a tortuous last few years, but hopefully there is now some light at the end of the tunnel.
At least we can assume the wage bills, any further tax bills and the cash flow should be taken care of.
It’s also important to note the deal is for Yongge’s shareholding’s of Reading FC limited, the training ground and the stadium. A couple of weeks ago a deal encompassing all these elements looked unlikely.
Based on all dealings with Yongge, it would be uncharacteristic if there is a straightforward couple of months until the deal is completed.
That is another reason why it would be best for everyone if it remains confidential.
Until Yongge is officially out the club for good nobody will dare to completely relax.