Reading FC chief executive says owners are still committed to the club

Reading owners Dai Yongge and Dai Xiu Li. Credit: Eddie Greville

The owners of Reading FC remain fully committed to the club and helping it reach the Premier League.

That's according to chief executive Ron Gourlay, who has been speaking following the departure of Jaap Stam and appointment of new manager Paul Clement.

Chinese owners Dai Yongge and Dai Xiu Li have come under pressure in some quarters following the team's disastrous run of form (one win in 18 matches) and why they did not dismiss Stam earlier in the campaign.

But Gourlay said the siblings wanted to give Stam as much time as they could and their support for the club 'has not wilted' despite the dismal season.

"The backing from the owners has been incredible from day one," said Gourlay.

"They have never wilted on their vision - they are very ambitious and it was very important we bring ambitious and positive people into the club. We already have a lot of people like that.

"They have not set any time targets but we all know they want to see improvements.

"They know this year has been very difficult but we have to put that behind us and keep the positive mental attitude. The next eight games will set the scene for us over the summer and then we'll take it from there."

Ron Gourlay and Paul Clement. Credit: Eddie Greville

The Chinese owners took over Royals from a Thai consortium led by Lady Sasima Srivikorn last May.

The brother and sister have rarely been together at matches and it has sparked fears from some fans of their commitment to the club.

And while Gourlay accepts the season has fallen below expectations, it has not altered the long-term ambitions of Mr Dai and Ms Dai for the club.

"We have owners who wanted to give the utmost support to the manager who did very well last season with his team," said Gourlay.

"They wanted to give every possible opportunity and in football the games pass by and you're hoping for a change in luck or the confidence to come back.

"But there is never a good time, I explained to the owners, if they look at the records when changes are made there is not always a guarantee result.

"It's not always positive but we got to a point where we had conversations with the owners and all decided this was the best time for a change and to give the incoming manager a chance to take us forward.

"I can't be critical of the past manager or his two assistants but in the end the results didn't change. They recognised that and together we decided this was the right time and we'll know if we were right on May 6 [the final game of the season]."

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