The Heartache of Goodbye: Rubén Sellés and the Soul of Reading FC
As I sit to pen these words, my mind is clouded, my heart heavy. The usual excitement for the upcoming game against Wycombe has been overshadowed by a lingering dread. Rumours swirl around the possible departure of Rubén Sellés, and I can’t shake the feeling that we’re on the verge of losing more than just a manager. It feels like the imminent departure of a cherished family member—a bond being severed that has brought warmth, hope, and identity back to Reading FC.
Rubén has been more than a manager to us. He’s been a beacon, a symbol of resilience and ambition, and the heartbeat of our club during what has been an immensely challenging period. If he truly is on the verge of leaving, can we blame him? Not really. And yet, the pain of it cuts deep.
A Man Torn Between Loyalty and Opportunity
Football, like life, is often dictated by tough choices. The allure of increased wages at Hull City, if the rumours are to be believed, is something few could ignore. But this isn’t just about money. Rubén’s tenure at Reading has been fraught with uncertainty—unpaid bills, behind-the-scenes chaos, and the ever-looming threat of losing key players in January. Imagine trying to build a legacy under such circumstances.
For Rubén, the prospect of moving to Hull offers a fresh start, a chance to strengthen a squad without fear of it being dismantled by necessity. It’s a move that could take him from the precarious position of fighting for play-off spots to a genuine chance at automatic promotion. Who among us wouldn’t be tempted by the promise of stability and progress? And yet, as a fan, it’s hard not to wish for him to stay, even against all logic.
The Fragility of Football Loyalty
Football is a fickle game. Managers are celebrated as heroes one week and scapegoats the next. We know this all too well. Should results falter, would certain pundits and fans turn on Rubén? Would radio presenters dissect his every decision, questioning his tactical nous and calling for his head? It’s a cruel reality of the game. Perhaps Rubén is simply looking to protect himself and his career from the inevitable volatility.
But for those of us who have seen the man beyond the touchline, this feels different. Rubén is not just any manager; he is our manager. Over the past 12 months, he has become part of the Reading family, embodying the spirit of the club and giving us hope during one of the darkest chapters in our history. The thought of him leaving feels like losing a piece of ourselves.
A Leader Who Gave Us More Than Wins
I’ve been fortunate enough to have several interactions with Rubén Sellés, and each time, I’ve come away struck by his character. He’s not just a brilliant tactician or a charismatic leader; he’s a genuinely good person. His commitment to the “project” at Reading was unwavering, even as obstacles piled up around him. He didn’t just focus on winning matches—he worked to rebuild something deeper: the bond between fans, players, and the club itself.
For too long, that connection had been missing. The joy of supporting Reading had been replaced by a sense of disillusionment and detachment. Rubén changed that. He understood that football isn’t just about results; it’s about belonging, passion, and pride. He brought us together, and for that, he will always have our gratitude.
The Pain of What Could Have Been
This is why the thought of Rubén leaving is so devastating. He wasn’t just a manager—he was one of us. He was the face of the club, a unifying figure, and, in many ways, a friend. The idea of him departing for Hull feels like a cruel twist of fate, a chapter ending before its story could truly unfold.
There’s still hope, of course. At the time of writing, neither Reading nor Hull City has made any official announcements. Maybe the journalists have got it wrong. After all, we’ve seen false dawns before—remember the takeover talks that led to nothing? Perhaps this too is just another storm in a teacup.
But deep down, I can’t shake the feeling that this time, it’s real. And that hurts more than I can put into words.
A Club United, But at What Cost?
If Rubén does leave, we must remember what he has given us: not just a winning team, but a united one. He built something special with a small, young squad—a team that played with heart and purpose, a team that reminded us why we fell in love with football in the first place.
His legacy, if this truly is the end, will be more than just points on a table. It will be the restoration of pride in our club, the rekindling of a passion that had been dimmed by years of mismanagement and disappointment. For that, we owe him more than just gratitude; we owe him respect and understanding.
The Future Without Rubén
Should the worst happen, and Rubén chooses pastures new, the road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging. Whoever steps into his shoes will inherit a team and a fanbase shaped by his influence. They’ll have to carry forward his vision while carving out their own. It won’t be easy, and the scars of his departure will take time to heal.
But we are Reading FC. We’ve faced adversity before, and we will face it again. While Rubén’s departure would feel like a family member leaving home, families endure. They adapt. They grow stronger.
A Final Plea
As a fan, I can only hope. Hope that the rumours are wrong. Hope that Rubén sees in Reading what we see in him. Hope that, somehow, the uncertainties and challenges can be resolved, and he’ll stay to finish what he started.
But if he does leave, I will remember him not just as a great manager, but as a man who gave us hope when we needed it most. A man who reminded us what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves. A man who, for a time, made Reading FC feel like home again.
Rubén Sellés, if this is goodbye, then go with our love and gratitude. You will always be one of us.
