There’s something really sad happening at Reading FC right now. It’s not just the ownership mess, or the financial problems, or even the constant fear that wages and bills won’t be paid. No, the saddest thing is seeing the empty seats at the Select Car Leasing Stadium week after week. The fans who once packed out the stands, singing, chanting, and willing the team on, just aren’t turning up anymore. And while it’s easy to understand why, the truth is, not showing up is hurting the club we all love.
The Ownership Disaster
Everyone knows the ownership situation at Reading FC has been a disaster. Dai Yongge has been running the club into the ground, and it’s no secret that his mismanagement has left us in a financial mess. Fans are rightly angry about unpaid wages, HMRC issues, and the points deductions that have set us back time and time again. It’s frustrating, it’s embarrassing, and it makes supporting the club feel like an emotional rollercoaster with no end in sight.
But here’s the thing—when people talk about boycotting matches as a protest against the ownership, it’s not Dai Yongge who suffers the most. It’s the club itself. The money from match tickets doesn’t go into the owner’s pockets; it goes straight into the club. That money helps pay for the stadium to open, for the lights and heating to stay on, for the stewards and emergency staff to do their jobs, and for the pitch to be maintained. It also helps run the training ground, keeping our players fit and ready for battle. When fans don’t turn up, it makes things even worse for the people who actually care about the club and work hard every day to keep it going.
The Empty Stands Are Hurting the Team
Football isn’t just about what happens on the pitch. It’s about the atmosphere, the energy, the passion of the fans. When players walk out and see a half-empty stadium, it’s got to be disheartening. They need us. The team has been fighting hard, putting together an unbeaten run, and aiming for the playoffs. Imagine what they could achieve if the stands were full of supporters cheering them on.
Think about the backroom staff as well. These are people who, despite everything, keep showing up with a smile on their faces because they love Reading FC. They work hard to keep the club going, even when times are tough. If they can turn up, despite all the adversity, then surely we, as fans, can do the same?
Reasons to Be Optimistic
It’s easy to be cynical and say, “Here we go again” every time a takeover is mentioned. We’ve had false hope before, and it’s understandable that people are cautious. But the club is pushing for a quick resolution, and that’s something to be positive about. There’s a real chance that things could finally turn around. Wouldn’t it be amazing if, when new owners do come in, they see a packed stadium full of loyal fans who never gave up on the club?
Right now, every match is crucial. If we want Reading FC to survive and thrive, we need to be there. We need to make our voices heard, not just online in frustration, but in the stands, where it really counts.
The Club Needs Us Now More Than Ever
Football isn’t just about winning trophies or getting promoted. It’s about community, loyalty, and sticking together through the tough times. Reading FC is more than just an owner or a boardroom—it’s the players, the staff, the history, and most importantly, the fans.
So let’s stop punishing the club for mistakes made by the owner. Let’s show up, make some noise, and remind everyone why we are the heart and soul of Reading FC. The players need us. The staff need us. And, most importantly, the club needs us.
See you at the next home game. URZ!
