Reading stalwart Andy Bernal has asked 'where is the light at the end of the tunnel' for the Dai Yongge reign.

The former Australia international joined the Royals in 1994 and spent six years with the club, racking up nearly 200 appearances in the second and third tiers.

Going on to work alongside David Beckham and as 'Vibe Manager' of Central Coast Mariners in Australia, the former full-back appeared as a guest on the 1871 Podcast.

Royals supporters are still reeling from the news that Rob Couhig's protracted takeover collapsed at the final hour, with the club in exclusive negotiations with an unnamed party.

Speaking as a former player, Bernal admitted it is no surprise that news will impact player performances and harked back to the days of Sir John Madejski.

"When I got there and they had come up from Division Two, it was a smaller club, but I found it to be a beautiful, happy, community club," he told the podcast.

"There was no smoke or mirrors, it was ‘this is what it is- we are this club.’ As a player, you had access to Sir John [Madejski] and you could ask him anything you wanted and people would answer. Players would speak among themselves and there were no delusions of grandeur. I’m not saying that there is any of that now but the simplicity of it- it wasn’t complex.

"You were able to get answers- if we are promoted, will this happen? What if we get relegated, is this going to happen? There was a beacon of light you could look at for guidance, whereas now where is the light at the end of the tunnel?

"For me, as a player, some may have children that go to school- how do they pay the fees? There is a lot that comes into it and when the manager and players have confusion in their minds, how can you expect performances? You need a happy environment and culture- if people’s minds are racing everywhere, it’s very difficult."