Reading manager Ruben Selles has praised fans for their continued support as the club’s off-field troubles persist following the failure of Rob Couhig’s proposed takeover bid last week.
Couhig, the former Wycombe Wanderers owner, has been in exclusive talks with current Reading owner Dai Yongge in recent months, and it appeared that things were going well.
Couhig had visited several Royals games this season and had met Selles, the players, and the club’s staff before the EFL approved the agreement.
However, the club stated last week that Couhig’s takeover had fallen through after the two sides were unable to reach an agreement, and all loans had been repaid to the American investor.
It was a great disappointment for fans who had anticipated Couhig would be the man to end Yongge’s catastrophic seven-year reign, during which Reading was demoted to League One and had 18 points deducted.
Former Royals chief executive Nigel Howe, who is assisting with a takeover, claims that Yongge “continues to be committed” to selling and is attempting to “bring someone in to take the club forward,” but admits that the transaction is complex.
Ruben Selles issues message to Reading supporters
Following another challenging week, which culminated in a 5-2 defeat against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, Selles praised the Reading fans for their continuous support and pledged that he and his players will continue to battle for the club.
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank everyone for their words, emails, letters, and everything they’ve said to me and the rest of the team,” Selles stated on the club’s website.
“I believe they understand how we feel, and we are willing to offer all for this football team. There will be no dispute about it. And I hope the fans can recognize when the players are giving their all on the field, and I expect them to.
“Obviously, we are unhappy with the loss, but the support for the team was incredible. It has been fantastic all year, and we understand that this is another difficult time for the football club, but we are determined to fight with everything we have to keep the team stable.”
Selles’ latest statements will reassure Royals fans after he expressed concern over his future last week, stating that the current scenario was “exhausting” and acknowledging that he wanted to “reflect on where the club is heading”.
Concerns that Selles was considering leaving the Select Car Leasing Stadium intensified further after the setback against Bolton. The Spaniard blasted out at the lack of backing he has given from the club.
We come here to forget. Never forget where you are. It was a football game, and there were opportunities to take advantage of. We understand the circumstance, and we will not use it as an excuse. We’ve been there before, and the circle keeps repeating. The club provides no assistance for this team in terms of players or staff, and that is the fact. There will be moments when we cannot cope, but it was not the reason we did not win today,” Selles told The Reading Chronicle.
Reading is presently 16th in League One after two straight defeats, and they return to action on Saturday against fifth-placed Huddersfield Town at home.
Reading takeover situation must be resolved to avoid Ruben Selles exit 
Selles appears to be sticking with Reading for the time being, but his patience will wear thin, and he will undoubtedly be tempted to quit if the takeover uncertainty persists.
Many managers would have walked away long ago, and Selles’ dedication to the club has resulted in a solid bond with fans, but it appears that he is becoming increasingly unhappy with the circumstances.
Selles has done a good job in exceptionally difficult circumstances since taking over at the Select Car Leasing Stadium last summer, and Championship clubs are unlikely to have overlooked him, so the Royals may be vulnerable to losing him if manager receives an offer elsewhere.
Following the failure of Couhig’s acquisition,Reading’s immediate future is apparently being funded by the proceeds from the sell-on clause in the deal that saw Michael Olise join Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace this summer, but this is not a long-term solution, and Yongge must find a buyer for the club as quickly as possible.
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