Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has admitted that he is 'devastated' for all connected to Reading after the collapse of Rob Couhig's takeover of the club and believes that fans should be told why it failed.
The former Wolves and Walsall forward has been covering EFL matches for over 20 years and infamously scored Walsall's winner against the Royals in the 2001 play-off final.
Couhig, the American lawyer, had spent time in charge of near-neighbours Wycombe Wanderers and was close to confirming a takeover of the Royals to end an eight-year disastrous spell under Dai Yongge.
However, a fortnight ago news emerged that the prospective deal collapsed, leaving the club short on funding for the medium-to-long term future.
"I just feel for the players, coaches, staff, and most of all, the fans," Goodman told Grosvenor Sport. "They've been put through the wringer. It's the hope that kills you.
"Everybody hoped that this takeover bid would be uncomplicated and that Rob Couhig would move the club forward without the risk of points deductions or transfer embargos. We thought he'd provide the club financial stability and there would be no need for any more protests but it's fallen through.
"The disappointing thing for the fans is the lack of clarity on why it fell through. Everybody connected with that football club deserves to know what the problem with the takeover was and why it fell through after it had been ratified by the EFL. Who's to blame? Who's moved goalposts? That's the information the fans deserve after what they have been put through.
"It almost feels like they're back to square one. It can take months for takeovers to be completed, so it looks like they'll need to suffer for a while longer. I'm devastated for everyone associated with Reading.
"The players and management have been brilliant in the face of adversity. But this cannot go on for much longer without there eventually having a negative impact on the players and Ruben Selles. They're going to want out if this continues and that would be a shame."
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