READING FC legend and former manager Brian McDermott issued a message after the club’s home match with Port Vale was abandoned.
Thousands of fans made their way onto the pitch to get the game called off in protest of owner Dai Yongge.
McDermott, who won promotion to the Premier League with the Royals in 2012, put out a message reflecting on his time at the club and on Saturday’s events.
He said: “How can a football club go from being in the Premier League, to where it is today.
“There was something at Reading fc between the 2000 to 2012 called ‘The Reading way’.
“It meant we worked within our means. We didn’t have the biggest budgets but we had brilliant staff and players. We had a team on and off the pitch, where the sum of the parts was always greater than the individual.
“We had staff members who knew what the process was, people who knew their jobs and what was required.
“We had players who were selfless and did what ever it took, to win the game.
“A place where players and staff wanted to come to work. Wanted to succeed for the fans. No extraordinary salaries, no extortionate transfer fees.
“We had an owner Sir John Madejski who would say bad luck when we lost and well done when we won. No drama, one way or other. Four managers in 12 years.
“Today is a very sad day for all at Reading Football Club. I really hope and pray the club can get an owner, to take over, that deserves to own this great club.
“Worrying times, let’s hope today is the rock bottom and the narrative going forward, can bring stability and consistency.”
