Reading FC Supporters Trust have issued an open letter to the clubs CEO demanding change ahead of next season.

Supporters Trust at Reading [STAR] have held regular meetings with the hierarchy at the club over the course of the season due to the supporter concerns with the way in which the club has been run in recent years.

With Championship survival now confirmed, with Reading’s defeat at Hull City irrelevant due to Peterborough United’s loss at home to Nottingham Forest.

Signed by Chair Paula Martin, the letter outlines the issues at the club, and what STAR would like to see happen.

Since taking over in 2017, Dai Yongge has overseen a period in which the Royals have made record financial losses and a six point deduction for breaking Profit and Sustainabilty regulations.

The club remain under a transfer embargo and face up to 12 players walking away at the end of the season when their contracts expire.

Current CEO, to whom the letter is addressed, took the role in 2020, replacing popular figure Nigel Howe.

Extracts from the letter have been disclosed below.

“We are extremely concerned about the future of the club that we all love and support. By many key measures we are, and have been for some years, in decline:

  • Fighting relegation in 4 of last 5 seasons
  • Deducted 6 points for breaking EFL restrictions
  • Player wages way in excess of income
  • Club no longer owns stadium
  • Transfer policy expensive and ineffective when compared with our direct rivals
  • Loss of Academy talent like Loader and Richards for no benefit while relying on loan players
  • Attendances and season ticket sales down
  • Little comms from the executive team in updating fans on future plans
  • Fan sentiment deteriorating (latest results from EFL survey awaited)
  • Fan experience deteriorating – food offer / parking prices / no match programme
  • Fan protests about the way the club is being run

“We would ask that the Club Owners / CEO:

“Attend the final home match within the Club 1871 area to better understand our fans passion, desires, and aspirations. 

“Provide a written response to this message.

“Record an interview with STAR representatives on one of the Reading social media groups (e.g. Tilehurst End) to discuss and explain this and also hear about an improved transfer policy to make better use of the investment in the Academy.

“Agrees with and engages with STAR to put in place a shadow board and golden share for the start of next season, following a formal structured dialogue meeting on the subject of the Fan Led Review.”

STAR are due to meet with the club for the next Operations Meeting on May 12.