“Won’t be getting carried away” – Exclusive: David Prutton reacts to Reading FC takeover news

Pundit David Prutton is cautiously enthusiastic about claims that Reading’s proposed takeover by Robert Platek will be finalised soon, but he cautioned fans not to get carried away by the news given previous false dawns.

Reading fans have endured numerous failed takeover efforts under Dai Yongge’s ownership in recent years.

In September, former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig’s effort to buy the club fell through at the last minute, leading to a legal dispute with Yongge.

The Royals disclosed last week that they have entered a period of exclusivity with a potential buyer, who was later revealed to be American businessman Platek. The club expressed optimism for a “quick completion”.

Platek now owns Portuguese side Casa Pia and has previously been linked with Italian outfit Spezia and Danish club Sonderjyske. According to Reading Today, all parties are hoping the takeover will be completed by April.

Despite ongoing off-field issues and manager Ruben Selles’ departure to Hull City in December, Reading have continued their promotion push in League One. With a 2-1 win at Wigan Athletic on Saturday, Noel Hunt’s men are ninth in the table, only three points from the play-off places.

David Prutton reacts to Reading FC takeover developments

David Prutton, speaking exclusively to Football League World, admits to being cautious about the new takeover developments at Reading. However, he expressed hope that Platek’s ambitions to buy the club will succeed.

“I think there will be an air of caution about this, cautious optimism I would like to say, given the fact that we are five prospective new owners in,” Mr. Prutton said.

“It’s been 500 days since the club was officially put up for sale, and given the false dawns that have occurred before this, you feel slightly pessimistic to say that Reading fans would need to put the brakes on this, but I’m sure they’ve seen enough, endured enough, and experienced enough so far after what’s gone on under the current regime.”

“Until something is signed and sealed, people will not get carried away.

“Of course, they are demonstrating character and ability on the pitch under Noel Hunt – their comeback triumph over the weekend being a prime example – and that fighting spirit appears to have empowered both the players and the fans, and they must keep together.

“Hopefully, at some point, that collective umbrella from the top down will embrace everyone, allowing Reading to continue their march back to the Championship, but they will want to be back in the promised land of the Premier League.

“I think it’s extremely important not to get carried away, but I also believe that the hope that can enable this football club thrive again should underpin everything because, as we all know, football fans are the absolute basis of any team.

“Reading fans quite simply deserve better.”

Dai Yongge’s disastrous Reading tenure could finally be coming to an end

According to Prutton, Reading fans may not be overjoyed about Platek’s potential takeover due to recent failures, but there may be hope at the end of the tunnel.

Platek is in talks to buy Yongge’s shares, as well as the stadium and training field, indicating that he is committed to moving the club forward, and with his extensive football knowledge, he should be a reliable partner for the Royals.

Platek’s ownership of Reading is expected to be completed by April, and the squad remains in play-off contention in League One. This marks a potential turnaround from the troubled years under Yongge.

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