COLUMN by Andy Preston
Reading fans have had to put up with points deductions, transfer embargoes, the defunding of the women’s team, the ongoing takeover situation, I could continue…
Everyone connected with the club knows all too well about Reading’s situation and who is responsible.
Supporting a football team through the good times is easy. Reading fans have it far from easy for the last few years and that’s all down to the ownership.
These issues are something that no football fan should have to worry about, wondering whether staff and players will be paid and even pondering whether they will even have a club to continue supporting in the future.
It’s been exhausting for everyone involved, but the united front that fans have continued to show and the unwavering support they have given to everyone at the club and the team on the pitch has been inspiring.
It’s going to be a turbulent few months ahead. Nothing is certain. Reading’s League One status is in jeopardy just a year after dropping out of the Championship.
Ruben Selles and the team on the pitch have been excellent on the pitch, but the threat of future potential points deductions means that no one can be truly confident of Reading surviving the drop.
We all know what must happen for this club to survive and thrive in the future.
From packing out away ends all across the country despite going more than a whole year without a league win on the road, marching through the town to the ground and then protesting on the pitch, the work the fans have put in to try and save their club has been immense.
In future years, hopefully what will be much happier years, we’ll look back at those days as historic moments in the club’s history and how the fans played their part.
All that can be said is keep backing the team, get to games if you can, keep banging the drum to anyone that will listen about the wider issue of football ownership, keep fighting for the future of YOUR football club.
The Supporters Trust revealed in their latest meeting with Nigel Howe that the club is facing a ‘fight against time’.
STAR said: “We are fighting against time. We have a shortfall as expected this month and everyone at the club is working hard considering all funding options.
“As fans we need to stick together and back the team as much as we can.”
Sell Before We Dai added: “Let’s pack the ground and give it everything we’ve got from now till the end of the season.”
Reading’s head of football operations Mark Bowen also thanked fans for their ‘uncompromising’ support.
He said: “What never ceases to amaze me is the uncompromising support you always give us.
“I feel now is the perfect time to say a heartfelt thanks to you all, from Ruben, the players and myself.”
