Reading Boss Makes Worrying Transfer Admission
Reading boss Ruben Selles performed miracles last season, pulling together a coherent unit torn apart behind the scenes.
At times, his side was scintillating; at other, they were functional and dangerous. The head coach begged, stole and borrowed to keep a competitive squad together, and in the end, they avoided relegation by some distance.
Some pundits were tipping them for a good season this time around, but it seems they may be starting with one hand tied behind their back, again. Selles, a one-time Premier League manager, has admitted he is unable to recruit due to the ongoing issues behind the scenes at the Madejski Stadium.
“Realistically, we’re in a situation where we cannot get any players,” he said after his side beat Championship outfit QPR in a friendly.
“Not only because of the transfer embargo but because the EFL say until the takeover is happening, we cannot get any players in until the budget is confirmed.
“Myself, I don’t expect anything at all like I didn’t expect last season.”
The Royals beat QPR with a goal from Femi Azeez in their third pre-season friendly win of the campaign, although keeper Joel Pereira did make several fine saves. However, with a takeover still on the cards, any promise being shown before the kick off is likely to be hampered by a lack of recruitment.
Former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig is expected to take over from the hated Dai Yongge, but as that drags on, the club remain under an embargo, which limits them to only signing free agents or loans. That said, they cannot complete any deals until the club has been sold by Yongge.
Site Opinion
Trouble seems to follow Reading around like a bad smell. Selles’s side were impressive in League One at times last season, robust and committed. They seemed unified by the problems around the club, but if that drags into a second season, it could be hugely problematic.
If Couhig does take over, Reading could well be a surprise package, but it remains to be seen if that can be done in time to flesh out their promising squad, and get ready for the big kick-off a week on Saturday.
