Reading legend Brian McDermott has spoken of the importance of ensuring the club get 'the right owner' as soon as possible to enable the club to build a competitive squad.

McDermott, one of only two men to lead Reading into the Premier League back in 2012, spent over a decade working at the club and even returned for a short stint in 2016.

Still regularly keeping an eye on his former club, McDermott returned to the touchline in 2022 for the club's 150th-anniversary legends match and has since had a spell as Director of Football with Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.

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Former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig is expected to become the next Royals owner, with reports suggesting it could be as soon as under a fortnight, which could bring seven years of Dai Yongge ownership to an end.

Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire, McDermott implored those with power to ensure that the 'right' person takes over.

"I think they’ve got, fundamentally, a half-decent squad but Brian Carey and the recruitment guys will be wanting to get on and bring people into the club" he explained to former club captain Ady Williams. "The last thing they want is to leave everything to the last minute.

"The most important thing is the ownership situation, but that’s been the most important thing for the last 10 years. Getting the right person through the door is so important but I don’t know what’s happening. It needs to be sorted and it’s so frustrating to see."

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63-year-old McDermott departed Easter Road last month after working with Hibs last season.

Despite being in the game for nearly 45 years, McDermott is still keen to continue in some capacity.

"I left Hibs two or three weeks ago and did a presentation yesterday. I’m going to set something up on my own. I think what is important for me is that I’m relevant. I’m an older man now but if I can help players or coaches then I’ll do that. I’m trying to do presentations in the public domain, which I’ll do, and see what comes up.

"I am still really hungry to work. I love to work in the environment of football- I don’t like some of the things that goes on in football at times but that’s how it is and always has."