Reading legend Phil Parkinson has underlined the importance of the club's Academy during the protracted takeover talks.

'Parky' played over 350 times for the club between 1992 and 2003 before going on to enjoy a successful managerial career with the likes of Bradford City, Bolton Wanderers and Colchester United.

Moving to National League Wrexham in 2021, the 56-year-old earned successive promotions and beat the Royals 3-0 on Saturday in League One.

Speaking to the 1871 Podcast ahead of the match in North Wales on the weekend, Parkinson was quizzed on Reading and their protracted buyout by American Rob Couhig.

It was expected to have been completed last week, but an unknown hitch has delayed confirmation.

Having been at the helm of both Bolton and Charlton Athletic during takeovers, Parkinson is not concerned about a hold-up.

"I’ve been involved in several clubs who are in the middle of takeovers and it’s very stressful for the manager, supporters and players. The manager has done a great job there to hold it together. So many times, at Bolton and Charlton I was told ‘the takeover is happening this week’ and it never does. Another deadline passes and there always seems to be complications.

"Fundamentally, Reading has a lot of potential in terms of the stadium and training facility. There are people desperate to buy the club but the gentleman selling needs the deal to be right. I haven’t looked at the detail but it’s never straightforward. I think ultimately, it will get done."

While talks drag on for a 12th month, the Royals continue to more than hold their own in the division with a thin squad and Academy graduates.

This youth system is crucial to the club going forward, believes Parkinson.

(Image: ©Jason Dawson)

"From afar, it looks like Reading are able to produce some good young players still," he said. "It was a bit like when I was at Charlton, Richard Murray the owner was holding the club together and there was takeover talk everywhere and he needed to sell the club, but he kept the quality level and status of the Academy throughout all that, so there was always the chain of players coming through. It was a wise move because you see in those circumstances sometimes as a cost-cutting exercise, we will close the Academy down and all of a sudden, the players you have developed go elsewhere. Charlton have done that, and it seems to me that Reading have done that.

"Whilst there have been tough times, they have maintained a core of good young players and that stands them in good stead for the future."