Problem club Reading faces issues signing players this summer, as they have a ‘host’ of free agent transfers lined up this window but face difficulties getting those deals over the line, as reported by Darren Witcoop via his Twitter.
The Royals are currently unable to finalise deals with the EFL, amongst issues with an ongoing unpaid tax bill, for which they are due in court on August 9th. The club was served a winding-up petition by HMRC in June, which is issued when a debt has been ignored for three weeks or more. The case would be withdrawn from the court system if the club were to pay the debt before the court date. They have already faced repercussions from the EFL for the financial situation at the club, which resulted in players not being paid on time. They were relegated from the Championship last season, following a six-point deduction they were handed in April of that season and will play in the third tier next season.
The club has been linked with free agents this summer, with Witcoop naming two players linked with moves to the League One outfit. The club have reportedly been linked with moves this summer for Mark Harris, who has just been released from Championship club Cardiff City and Sean Clare, who has departed League One club Charlton Athletic. The club have urged players to remain patient as they work through this time.
Harris made 87 appearances for the Bluebirds in his six years spent with the club and scored nine goals in his time. During his time with the club, he was sent out on loan three times, spending time with Port Vale, Wrexham and Newport County. Clare recently departed Charlton Athletic after two years at the Valley, where he made 76 appearances, scoring two goals.
The Royals have now faced a complete setback in their pursuit of Harris, as fellow League One club Oxford United complete another signing this summer, adding the ex-Cardiff striker to their ranks.
The winding-up petition issued to the club is the fourth time that the club has seen such action taken against them, with the club avoiding administration on the previous three occasions. The petition they have been issued can be resolved by full payment of the debt or by arranging a payment plan with HMRC. However, drastic action may be seen, as these situations can often lead to seeing a club going into administration.
Writer’s View
It has been a fall from grace for Reading and a difficult time for the club’s supporters, who have seen their club fall to the third division. The club have seen many big names leave following their relegation, and Tom Ince was lost for a small amount of money, which certainly did not help their situation. The best resolution for this club is for owner Dai Yongge to sell the club and give the fans new hope for their future under new leadership.
