Reading FC’s Rebirth: From Crisis to Couhig’s Coup

In a dramatic turn of events, Reading FC has emerged from the brink of financial ruin, thanks to the timely intervention of Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair. Their acquisition of the club marks the end of a tumultuous era and the beginning of a new chapter.

Chris MarksMay 14, 20251 Mins read24

Reading takeover completed by ex-Wycombe owner Couhig

The final whistle has blown, and Reading FC is no longer on life support. In a deal that seemed as improbable as it was necessary, Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair have completed their takeover of the beleaguered club, ending years of financial instability and fan unrest. The English Football League (EFL) has officially approved the acquisition, which includes the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Ground. Couhig assumes the role of Chairman, with both he and Trosclair joining the club’s board effective immediately.

But how did Reading find itself in this precarious position? Under the ownership of Dai Yongge, the club’s fortunes plummeted. Since acquiring Reading in 2017, Yongge’s tenure was marked by financial mismanagement, point deductions, and a series of legal entanglements. The club’s women’s team, once a fixture in the Women’s Super League, was relegated to the fifth tier due to lack of funding. Protests from fans became a regular occurrence, and the club faced the very real threat of expulsion from the EFL.

Enter Couhig and Trosclair. The duo, through their company Redwood Holdings Limited, made their move at a time when Reading’s future hung in the balance. Their previous attempt to purchase the club had faltered in 2024 due to a breakdown in negotiations. However, this time, the deal was finalized, bringing a sense of relief to supporters who had endured years of uncertainty.

The new owners have pledged to restore Reading FC to prominence, emphasizing principles of honesty, transparency, and financial sustainability. Their immediate focus will be on stabilizing the club’s operations and planning for the future. While the road ahead remains challenging, the completion of this takeover offers a glimmer of hope for a club that has known little but turmoil in recent years.

As Reading embarks on this new chapter, one question lingers: Can the new ownership deliver on their promises, or will the shadows of the past continue to haunt the club’s future? Only time will tell.