FORMER ROYAL SLAMS OWNER

READING FC legend Kevin Doyle described the EFL’s decision to allow current owner Dai Yongge to buy the club in 2017 as a ‘disgrace’.

Doyle made his name as a

Royals legend having signed from Cork City in 2005, he went on to score a total of 56 goals in

163 appearances for the club.

He was also an integral part of Reading’s famous ‘106’ side, who under Steve Coppell won promotion to the top flight for first time in the club’s history, breaking the Championship points record in the process.

Speaking to BoyleSports, Doyle said: “The results actually in the last few weeks have been quite good, we’ve turned it around a bit.

“How that fella (Dai Yongge) was allowed to buy the club in the first place is a disgrace.

“How did he pass any of those tests?”

The former Republic of Ireland international also reflected on Reading’s magnificent achievement under Coppell in the 2005/06 season and believes it won’t be beaten, despite runaway Championship leaders Leicester City currently being on track to break the record.

Doyle continued: “There’s been a few over the years chasing that 106 points. I do smile when every year someone looks like they might break the record and every year it’s like ‘the best championship team ever’.

“We never get a mention even though we have it there on record. You know things are there to be beaten, but that was such a ridiculously exceptional year. I find it difficult to see anyone beating it to be honest with you.”

“It was Burnley last year who came close and they just couldn’t maintain it. Reading in 2005/06 was just a freak year.”