“New Dawn at Reading FC: Rob Couhig Completes Takeover, Vows Stability and Revival After Years of Turmoil”
Reading Football Club has officially entered a new era following the completion of its long-awaited takeover. On May 14, 2025, Rob Couhig, former owner of Wycombe Wanderers, finalized the acquisition of the club from Dai Yongge through Redwood Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of Dogwood Football LLC, co-owned with Todd Trosclair. The deal, which includes ownership of the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Ground, received final approval from the English Football League (EFL) .
The Sun
+3
LINKUPSPORTNEWS
+3
Yahoo Sports
+3
footballleagueworld.co.uk
+20
The Guardian
+20
ITVX
+20
Tribuna.com
+4
The Sun
+4
ITVX
+4
This takeover concludes an eight-year period marked by financial instability under Yongge, during which Reading FC suffered significant setbacks, including an 18-point deduction over the past three seasons, multiple financial embargoes, and the withdrawal of Reading Women from the second-tier due to funding issues . In March, the EFL disqualified Yongge as an owner, necessitating the sale of the club due to financial concerns related to his business activities in China.
The Guardian
Under the new ownership, Couhig has emphasized a commitment to honesty, transparency, and financial sustainability, aiming to restore Reading’s status in English football . One of his immediate actions includes restructuring the squad; the club has released six senior players, including former Tottenham Hotspur players Tom Carroll and David Button, as it begins preparations for the 2025/26 season .
Yahoo Sports
+4
The Guardian
+4
The Sun
+4
talkSPORT
+2
The Irish Sun
+2
The Sun
+2
Couhig also envisions expanding the club’s reach, particularly by tapping into the American market, citing cultural connections to smaller clubs and enthusiasm for promotion-relegation formats . His immediate goals for Reading include reaching the playoffs and bringing off-pitch stability, while ultimately transforming the club into a successful enterprise built on sustainable practices and community engagement.
Leave a Reply