Reading have been hit with winding-up petition by a former chief executive who wants to liquidate the club after Dai Yongge was forced out.
The Telegraph report that the 67 year old property developer Nigel Howe, who oversaw the sale process under Dai Yongge and had multiple roles at the Royals, is in dispute with Reading, who deny his claims and decline further comment due to potential legal action.
The club was sold to American investors Rob Couhig, a former Wycombe Wanderers owner, now new Reading chairman, and Todd Trosclair via Redwood Holdings, including the stadium and training ground.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Nigel Howe wants to liquidate League One club months after Dai Yongge was forced out
Read the full story ⬇️https://t.co/sLzQcobbYI pic.twitter.com/hfIsHOltfO
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) December 18, 2025
What happened to Rob Couhig running the club, with honesty, transparency and accountability along with financial sustainability 👀 #readingfc pic.twitter.com/w9swWdliM7
— Jack (@thesimpsonRFC) December 18, 2025
Reading have issued a statement, as per The Telegraph: “Reading Football Club confirms that it is in an ongoing dispute with Mr Nigel Howe. The club denies any claims made against it. Given the ongoing dispute and potential legal proceedings, the club will not be making any further comment at this time.”
Telegraph Sport have also reached out to the law firm representing Howe and the English Football League for comment.
Following the departure of Dai Yongge, Reading said: “The club are pleased to announce that Redwood Holdings Limited – a subsidiary company of Dogwood LLC, owned by Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair of New Orleans, Louisiana – has completed the acquisition of 100 per cent of the shareholding in Reading Football Club.
“The takeover, which has received EFL clearance, completed very early on Wednesday morning and includes the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park training ground. Both Couhig and Trosclair will join the club’s board with immediate effect, with Rob Couhig being named as chairman.
“Redwood is ambitious and dedicated towards the club returning to its rightful place within the English football pyramid, while adhering to clear principles of honesty, transparency, and financial sustainability. Further communication from Redwood will follow in due course.”
A statement from the supporters’ campaign group, Sell Before We Dai, said: “We are incredibly relieved and happy that Reading Football Club are finally under new ownership. It’s a day which we thought, at times, may never happen.
“In the eight years of the Dai Yongge era, every single element of our club went backwards. The first team were relegated, the women’s team were essentially folded and staff were made redundant as every operational element of the club was cut back to the bare bones.
“Those who remained were forced to work with tight budgets and under immense pressure. Sometimes they weren’t even sure if they’d be paid at the end of the month. Today is a day for celebration and that starts by welcoming Rob Couhig. Thank you for not giving up on us, thank you for saving our 153-year-old club from oblivion.”
Here’s how fans reacted with Reading hit with winding-up petition by the former chief executive who wants to liquidate the club…
@CazParker1871: Clearly it’s too much to ask to experience any joy in supporting this godforsaken club. Merry Xmas everyone.
@James59399359: What case does that clown have?
@MikePea73444529: Dear God. Does this never end.
@webber1871: One of the odd occasions I’m glad we have Rob – He should and will completely rid of that rats fucking career and finances. Fuck you Nigel. #readingfc
@Jamie_Hodder21: You horrible little fuck Nigel. I really hope Couhig beats you in court.. then bankrupts you. #readingfc
@m1871e: One normal season supporting this club is all I ask. Just one. #readingc
@harrysandman_: Even anyone who’s Couhig out or not best pleased with him should be backing him on this. Nigel Howe a traitor to this football club who helped almost run us into the ground. Hope Couhig takes him to the cleaners #readingfc
@Ergo_Mark: I’m looking forward to this transfer window under embargo 🤦♂️ #readingfc
@ronniemac93: Nigel Howe has never had Readings best interest. He’s a scumbag 🐀
@bealec1988: “I’m disappointed fans see me as the villain… anyways here’s me trying to kill your club.” – Nigel Howe. #readingfc
@adamReadingFC: Rat. Just as bad as Dai and the rest, hopefully Rob runs his pockets dry in a legal battle 🐀 #readingfc
@Wallsy1871: Ffs when will this end
@Kizza618: So the man that was taking money out of the club is now trying to hit them with a legal battle…
@RFC_News_utd: laughable 🤣🤣
@BerkshireBoys_: 🐀 such a scumbag. Always knew he was bad news #readingfc
@Orrgarde: Vermin #ReadingFC
@Kingsley_Royal: That shyster lives down the road from me. I’m going to personally hand deliver his biscuit tin full of shit. #readingfc
@jackaroberts95: Nigel Howe really is a cunt isn’t he #readingfc
@JackMalden: Nigel Howe could have been remembered as overseeing the most successful time in the club’s history. Instead he will be seen as a money grabbing rat that enabled 3 asset stripping and disastrous ownerships 🐀 #ReadingFC
@Hoops1791: Annnnd we’re back 😒
@CScott____: Nigel Howe being a ****, imagine my shock #ReadingFC 🐍
@NorthDevonRoyal: Tell him to do one
@MRoberts21814: Let’s see the transparency you promised now, @RCouhig #readingfc. Merry Christmas and up the Royals etc etc
@Reading106: Ahhh, our old friend the Winding Up Petition. How we’ve missed you! #Readingfc
@AnyGivenFriday1: Just when we thought it had all gone away. Good ol’ Nigel Howe. What an absolute stain of a human being. #readingfc
Just proves (not that it was in doubt) that he doesn’t and never has cared about the club.
Only ever motivated by 💰.
If he could kindly f*ck off 🖕🏼.— Graham (@grahamhorsley) December 18, 2025
But… I thought he was our saviour.
🐍 🐍 🐍 #ReadingFC pic.twitter.com/cVDWjgdfeJ
— Guilty, I support Reading (@Reading106) December 18, 2025
….and we go LIVE to Nigel Howe. #readingfc pic.twitter.com/LYrGYxQGF7
— Bobbins (@ohbobbins) December 18, 2025
