Reading legend Brian McDermott has labelled the off-field situation at the club 'beyond belief' and 'feels' for everyone connected after the collapse of Rob Couhig's takeover attempt.

McDermott spent nearly 20 years with the club and most famously led the club to the Championship title in 2012, briefly returning in 2016.

The very future of the club is back in question now with the club still up for sale but 'back to square one' as Couhig's takeover attempt fell apart at the 11th hour.

Still a keen watcher of the club from afar, McDermott had a string of sell-out Q&A shows in the town last year.

(Image: PA)

Taking to social media to show support for his old club and colleagues, McDermott said: "It is beyond belief what has gone on and is going on at my old club Reading Football Club . It looked like the ownership situation was sorted and a new owner all but in situ. From nowhere the deal is pulled and not completed.

"I really feel for every single person who works at the club. Every single fan who has supported this fantastic club. The resilience and bond that has been shown by the fans , manager, staff and players has been phenomenal. I look on from afar with a real sense of pride. One day at a time, bit by bit, we can only hope this situation is sorted. Hopefully there is a plan, there is someone who is going to eventually take over this great club.

"I still have great friends who work there. People who have been associated with the club for many years. I went to watch my nephew play for Chelsea v Reading, at the training ground , a couple of weeks ago. It was the first time I had seen the place. I was blown away by the facilities. So much potential. Just waiting for the right person to come in, to
secure the club.

"The club has a manager in Rueben Selles who has acted with the utmost class and integrity. I had my share of issues when I managed but what he has had to deal with, is on another level . It is so difficult to manage the football side of a club, with so much upheaval behind the scenes. To keep the team up last season and to be competing at League One level, is a testament to Rueben and everyone involved.

"It is so important to keep the club at the forefront of the football news. Hopefully, that buyer comes along and we get back to only talking about Reading Football Club, for what happens on the pitch. . Let’s hope we can see , once again, an era come back , that I was so fortunate to live in. Started by Jamie Cureton’s goal, on the 20th April 2002."

McDermott was last at the SCL Stadium in May as the Reading Under-21s, managed by former player Noel Hunt, reached the semi-final of the PL2 play-offs.