Reading great Brian McDermott has described the club’s off-field predicament as ‘beyond imagination’ and expressed sympathy for everyone involved following the failure of Rob Couhig’s takeover bid.

McDermott spent over 20 years with the club, most notably leading it to the Championship title in 2012 before temporarily rejoining in 2016.

The club’s entire existence is now in jeopardy, with the club still for sale but ‘back to square one’ after Couhig’s takeover effort failed at the last minute.

McDermott, who continues to keep an eye on the club from afar, held a series of sold-out Q&A sessions in town last year.

McDermott took to social media to express his support for his former club and teammates, saying, “It is beyond belief what has happened and is happening at my old club Reading Football Club.” It appeared that the ownership crisis had been resolved, with a new owner almost in place. The transaction is abruptly terminated.

“I truly feel for everyone that works at the club. Every every supporter who has backed this magnificent club. The perseverance and camaraderie demonstrated by the fans, manager, staff, and players has been incredible. I watch from afar with great pride. We can only hope that this problem will be resolved one day at a time, gradually. Hopefully, there is a strategy in place, and someone will ultimately take over this fantastic club.

“I still have good pals that work there. People who have been involved with the club for many years. I went to watch my nephew play for Chelsea against Reading at the training field a few weeks back. It was the first time I had seen the location. The amenities blew me away. So much promise. We’re only waiting for the proper guy to secure the club.

“Rueben Selles, the club’s manager, has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and ethics. I had my fair share of problems while I was managing, but what he has had to deal with is on a whole other level. With so much going on behind the scenes, managing a club’s football side is extremely challenging. To keep the squad up last season and compete at the League One level is a credit to Rueben and everyone involved.

“It is critical to maintain the team at the top of the football headlines. Hopefully, that buyer comes along, and we can return to solely talking about Reading Football Club and what occurs on the pitch. Let’s hope we can see an era return that I was so privileged to live in. Started by Jamie Cureton’s goal on April 20, 2002.”

McDermott last played at the SCL Stadium in May, when the Reading Under-21s, led by former player Noel Hunt, advanced to the PL2 play-off semi-finals.

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