Reading FC issue statement over player signing ban
Royals critical of EFL over their handling of the situation
Last updated 10th Aug 2021
Reading football club has issued a statement about the ongoing football league ban on signing players.
It’s after criticism from some fans about the lack of information coming from the club.
The statement says the club is in ‘positive and constructive talks’ with the league and hope to ‘significantly strengthen’ the first team squad in the ‘very near future’.
Statement in full
"We are fully aware of increasing levels of speculation within the media and amongst our supporters regarding the club’s challenging situation during the current transfer window.
"As a club, we strive to be as open and transparent as possible with our supporters, liaising regularly with our fans in focus groups, listening to supporters in feedback sessions as well as engaging in structured dialogue meetings with our Supporters Trust.
"We appreciate that clarity is important. However, we sincerely hope supporters also understand that financial intricacies coupled with detailed information on transfer constraints, objectives and expectations should remain private to ensure we are able to act wisely within the market.
"The club remain extremely disappointed that existing English Football League regulations allow confidential financial information as well as the embargo status of clubs and the relevant transfer restrictions to become widely available in the public domain. When this confidential information becomes public, it naturally leads to inaccurate rumour and can subsequently weaken the club’s position within an already uncertain and unstable market – whether that be selling, signing or loaning players to or from the club or indeed offering contract extensions or renewals to first team players or those emerging from academies.
"However, it is important to understand that we are making progress. We can confirm that we remain in positive, constructive dialogue with the EFL and, while we appreciate the complexities surrounding the club’s present circumstances, we are also confident that we will be able to significantly strengthen our first team squad in the very near future, in advance of the closure of this summer’s transfer window at the end of August.
"Meanwhile, Mr Dai Yongge remains as committed to Reading Football Club as he has been throughout the four years he has spent so far as owner of our club. Financing the club throughout more than a year without supporters as football battled on behind closed doors without important revenue streams, his dedication has been overtly evident in the significant investment made in our brand new state-of-the-art training facility and in his sustained support for our first team squad and the development of young players within our Category One Academy structure.
"We will not be making any further comment regarding our transfer targets or our embargo position at this time. However, we will endeavour to issue more clarity, only as and when it is appropriate to do so.
"Lastly, we are absolutely delighted that supporters are able to attend our matches, home and away, once more. We hugely appreciate your loyalty, your patience, your devotion and your understanding. Your support is vital."