There has been speculation about Mike Ashley’s interest in purchasing Reading FC, prompted by the sighting of his helicopter at the Select Car Leasing Stadium last weekend. The club is currently facing financial difficulties under its current owner, Dai Yongge, who has struggled to meet tax obligations, pay staff wages on time, and has seen the club penalized with a 16-point deduction for financial mismanagement during his tenure.
On the pitch, Reading is also struggling, currently sitting in 24th place in League One. The club is up for sale, and there are rumors of Ashley’s potential interest in acquiring it.
Mike Ashley, a British billionaire who owns Sports Direct and the House of Fraser stores, was the owner of Newcastle United from 2007 to 2021. Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony, speaking on TalkSport radio, expressed his belief that Mike Ashley could be an ideal owner for Reading, suggesting that Ashley could save the club and take it to the Premier League. He emphasized that Ashley’s financial capability and deal-making skills could greatly benefit the fans and the club’s future.
Simon Jordan added that Reading is not a big football club but rather a club with regional significance, noting that John Madejski had a positive impact on the club during his time as owner. He also mentioned that Ashley previously missed an opportunity to gain more popularity with fans during his ownership of Newcastle United.
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