Reading FC chairman Rob Couhig believes the club can rise from recent struggles to one day reclaim a place in the Premier League.
Couhig outlined his ambitions for the Royals following a period of rebuilding in League One, stressing that the foundations are being laid for long-term stability and success.
From Championship to Long-Term Vision
Reading’s fall from the Championship in 2023 ended more than a decade at that level, following a turbulent spell that included financial issues and points deductions. However, Couhig insists the outlook is now far more positive, and that the club is capable of climbing back towards the upper tiers of English football.
The Royals were first promoted to the Premier League in 2005–06 under Steve Coppell after a record-breaking Championship season, finishing eighth in their debut top-flight campaign before suffering relegation a year later.
Brian McDermott then led them back up in 2011–12, but the return lasted just a single season.
Couhig believes those days can return with patience, planning and renewed belief.
“There’s no reason why this club can’t be a mid Championship club within the relatively near future,” said Couhig. “I think we can contend this year to get promoted, I think it’s going to be difficult. I am super ambitious and optimistic.
“This club can be a Premier League club one day. But we put reasonable expectations on timing. “If we don’t get promoted this year or get to the play-offs we buckle up and get ready and start over and we’re always ready to be better.”
Ambition with Perspective
Couhig’s optimism has been matched by Reading’s steady recovery both on and off the pitch. Under manager Noel Hunt, the club has stabilised and developed a younger squad, aiming to balance financial discipline with competitiveness.
The American chairman, who co-owns the club with Todd Trosclair, has emphasised a long-term approach rather than short-term risk-taking. His focus on resilience and improvement mirrors the philosophy that has seen Reading rebuild their identity since relegation.
While he admits promotion this season may be a challenge, Couhig’s message is clear: success will come through persistence and hard work rather than quick fixes.
Writer’s View
Couhig’s belief that Reading can return to the Premier League may sound ambitious given their recent troubles, and the fact they’re currently 19th, but it underlines a crucial shift in mentality. For too long, the Royals have drifted between uncertainty and transition; now, there is structure, ownership engagement and a clear long-term goal.
If the club continues to progress under Hunt and maintains its off-field improvements, Reading’s path back to the Championship, and perhaps beyond, no longer feels out of reach.
