Reading FC owner Mr Dai Yongge and Dayong Pang have penned an open letter to Royals fans.
The owner has called on supporters to show their support and stick together in the midst of the club’s fight for survival in the Championship.
The Royals were beaten last night by Bristol City in what was their sixth successive league defeat.
The letter reads: “This is a thank you. This weekend, we are delighted to welcome so many of you all to the Select Car Leasing Stadium for an occasion which can bring us all together in celebration of this club’s 150th anniversary. Thank you so much for your support.
“This season has been tough. We know. We have accepted a points deduction. We have accepted the strict transfer limitations we have had to work with. We have to accept that due to our circumstances and an unimaginable injury crisis, consistent performances have been difficult and achieving results has not been easy. We are in a fight and we need to fight together. To do that, we need you.
“Right now, our only aim is to try to stay up. We have a squad of players which has the ability to earn the results we need and we have more than a third of the season to turn this around. One game at a time, a galvanised group of players with the support of our fans in the stands, have to put every ounce of energy into propelling this club forward. Then, in the summer, we can reset. Refocus and begin to build.”
The owners stated that they are seeking to improve Reading’s situation on and off the pitch.
Growing concerns among the fanbase have resulted in a planned protest against the management which is due to take place ahead of the 150th anniversary match at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday.
The letter continues: “We will be better, on and off the pitch. We vowed to fix the issues of the past and that work has already begun. Put simply, though, we need your support. We ask this of you a lot. But it is true. We know supporting a football club isn’t easy. And it isn’t always enjoyable. We won’t always get it right. You’ll not agree with everything we do and what we try might not always work. Fans will always have their voice and it will always be heard. That won’t change and nor should it. However, negativity can’t help us in our fight. We hear your concerns and appreciate your frustration, your pain and anger. But the remainder of this season can’t be about a club fighting itself. This has to be us against the world.
“On Saturday, we play Coventry City at the Select Car Leasing and we celebrate the 150th anniversary of our club’s first ever competitive fixture. We have a whole host of activities planned for the day and you have rallied behind us to fill every seat in the stands. Alone, that won’t earn us three points. We know we have to perform for you. But remember, to these players, a few extra percent from their fans matters. It can make the difference.
“And win, lose or draw, all we ask is that you get behind the team and give us the best chance of success on Saturday and for the remaining 16 games that follow!
“Thank you for your continued loyal, understanding and vocal support.”
