READING FC co-owner Xiu Li Dai admits it is “crucial” they appoint the correct chief executive who is the ‘right fit’ for the club.

In a rare public message, Ms Dai also confirmed vice chairman and former chief executive Nigel Howe is now combining the two roles while Royals search for a replacement for Ron Gourlay following his departure a fortnight ago.

Ms Dai did not speak to local press, but she issued a statement through the club’s media office who posted it on their website.

She also thanks fans for their backing through tough times and insists their support ‘is not taken for granted.’

Mc Dai said: “The appointment of a Chief Executive is an extremely important one for any business. Football is certainly no different.

“So my brother and I know how crucial this next appointment is for Reading Football Club and therefore appreciate how important it is that we establish the right person who is the right fit for the role going forward.

“It is vital that the process is thorough and given the due diligence it deserves to ensure we make the best possible decision.”

She adds: “In the interim period, Vice Chairman Nigel Howe and I will manage the day-to-day running of the club. These people know the club inside out and, with your support, will steer the ship in the right direction.”

Gourlay resigned from the role of CEO in mid-November after presiding over worrying run of results, a fall in attendances and a number of problems behind the scenes.

The 55-year-old Scot did not see eye-to-eye with a number of backroom staff and was an unpopular figure at Madejski Stadium.

His frosty relationship even saw former director of football Brian Tevreden leave to become CEO of Belgian club KSV Roeselare which also belongs to Royals owners, Ms Dai and her brother Dai Yongge.

When Gourlay stepped down many Reading fans were calling for Tevreden’s return, though the Chronicle believes that is unlikely to happen.

Brentford CEO Mark Devlin is another possible candidate as he announced he will be leaving the Championship club at the end of December after seven years.

Ex-Royals goalkeeper and director of football Nick Hammond has ruled himself out of a return.

Here is Ms Dai’s message in full:

“The appointment of a Chief Executive is an extremely important one for any business. Football is certainly no different.

“So my brother and I know how crucial this next appointment is for Reading Football Club and therefore appreciate how important it is that we establish the right person who is the right fit for the role going forward.

“It is vital that the process is thorough and given the due diligence it deserves to ensure we make the best possible decision.

“Rest assured, we are working extremely hard to bring in the ideal candidate, but expect it to take time. In the interim period, Vice Chairman Nigel Howe and I will manage the day-to-day running of the club.

“And we are confident we can lead and implicitly trust an experienced and long-serving senior management team and their staff to operate this club to the high standards our supporters have come to expect and certainly deserve.

“These people know the club inside out and, with your support, will steer the ship in the right direction.

“Reading Football Club is a club of great honour, held in the highest esteem by so many - and its history is long and rich. As owners, we are extremely proud to be part of this family.

“Last but not least, we would like to thank you. Supporting your team is not always easy. But your loyal backing is not taken for granted. It is very much valued by all at Reading Football Club.”

Ms Xiu Li Dai.