New Reading chair Rob Couhig got in an chaotic interview this week on his plans for the club with an email also being sent to fans.
Redwood Holdings Limited completed their takeover of the Royals, saving them from near expulsion from the English Football League.
Rob Couhig finalised the club’s takeover and expressed excitement despite early morning calls.
He emphasised a vision for success through firm leadership, transparency, and a focus on fan experience, drawing from his successful track record with minor league baseball and Wycombe Wanderers.
Couhig distanced himself from comparisons to the previous owner, noting while he won’t invest £200m, instead he prioritises entertainment and fan satisfaction, enhanced by winning and quality amenities.
In an email to season ticket holders, he thanked them for their crucial financial and emotional support, crediting their loyalty for the club’s survival.
He promised ambitious yet transparent and sustainable plans, with further details to be shared soon, and expressed enthusiasm for engaging with fans personally.
Full Rob Couhig Interview #ReadingFC 🔵⚪️🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/CpMNgDuskM
— The Ding Archive (@danmarkgreen83) May 15, 2025
Couhig said while to Sky Sports News: “It finally ended up [being done] at about 12.30 last night, your time. I thought I’d be allowed to sleep, but at 4am my time, the calls started coming. So everybody’s excited,” said Reading’s new chair.
On his plans for Reading, he added: “We have everything there to make this club a success. What it requires is a firm hand, leadership, transparency.
“I think that’s our history, whether in minor league baseball in America where we had one of the most successful franchises of all time or with Wycombe where we had five of the best years they ever had in their 134-year history.
“We think what we know what we’re doing.”
“I don’t want to compare myself to the other fella,” Couhig added. “He had his way of doing it, and I’m not going to put £200m into it. So give him his due on that.
“But our belief is that this is an entertainment that is surrounding a sport that’s existential in nature. So we put the fan experience first.
“The fan experience is better when you win than when you lose. It’s better when the hot dog is hot and the beer is cold.”
Direct comms from Rob Couhig to all fans already.
Things are going to be changing with pace by the sounds of it pic.twitter.com/4i13LRNvoQ
— EPR (@ElmParkRoyals) May 15, 2025
In an email to Reading FC season ticket holders, Couhig said: “As a first step of introducing ourselves to the supporters of Reading Football Club, I want to thank you as a season ticket holder for your unequivocal support of this magnificent institution.
“It is fair to say that without your support, both financially and emotionally, this club of yours might well have ceased to exist.
“In spite of it all, your continued support allowed the club to continue and showcase a quality product on the pitch, both at first team level and Academy, and keep hold of a group of highly qualified and dedicated staff both on the pitch and off.
“Your loyalty will be remembered.
“In the next week, we will begin to put forward our plans for the Club.
“I think you will find that we are ambitious but governed by our commitment to honesty, transparency, and financial sustainability.
“Without getting too far ahead of myself, I think you will find that the steps we will take over the next few weeks and thereafter are guided by the question of whether it adds value to the Club, the experience and its supporters.
“Todd, Amy, Missy, and I look forward to meeting you in person – and we’re excited for the journey ahead!
“Most importantly – Up the Ding!”
Twitter users reacted with Rob Couhig in a chaotic interview on his plans for Reading and an email also sent to fans…
@AlannaOConnor3: Our new owner with positive plans for our future
@Joe1RFC: Great listen this is! #readingfc
@CazParker1871: Hallelujah we now have someone competent in charge. 💙🤍
@dingjoseph1871: We are in safe hands
@Dubstep1988: Another huge positive here: @RCouhig talking about REVENUE. Our outgoings under Dai were criminal…but made worse by the fact we never made any money. (E.g. Think of all the players who left on frees.) There’s barely anything left to cut, let’s make £££s. #readingfc
@TalkReading: That’s exactly what Reading Football Club was to Dai Yongge “a big toy”. #readingfc
@ChappsRyan2000: I’m so conflicted on this bloke. On one hand he could have single handedly stabilised us if it weren’t for Fry and Norman being tight fisted wankers. And on the other hand his first decision was Neale Marmon who was about as much use as a chocolate teapot. Another #YTFC Mystery
@Reading106: I wonder what the “radical revision” is that is coming to generate the revenues to succeed? I’m so glad he’s gone, I hope Rob and gang look after us. Still not his biggest fan atm (he’ll lose sleep over that😂) but hope they can bring back some of the enjoyment.
@SaturdayRoyal: 100% gets it 👏 #ReadingFC
@ptragedan: Love this. Hold on tight for the ride #readingfc
@njamieson99: From this interview alone, Rob comes across as exactly what this club needs – ‘financial discipline’ sounds beautiful #readingfc
@RussWWFC: Great owner for Wycombe TBH
@bengreenPTV: Almost like Wycombe fans knew what they were talking about, and Reading fans had absolutely no fucking idea who they were abusing and quite frankly insulting, due to no fault of his own. The couhig family did a Brilliant job at AP, and no doubt they’ll do the same in Reading
@toomleeman2: @acunilicali
@RFCJoeJ: More communication then we ever got from Dai a couple hours in…. Love it!!! @RCouhig @ToddTrosclair #readingfc
@richiec87: Watched full interview, funny with all the chaos but I think fans will like the message. Says structure & facilities are great. Club in good condition considering recent events. Need to work on revenue & fan experience & this game is like no other/capture that magic #readingfc
@DG95Official: The passion begins 🙌🏻
@mrblthomas: Oh my god he’s got a chatty dog & he’s not telling it off. There’s mutual respect in his household. I love him already #readingfc
@ThisIsLimpus: Onwards and upwards the right owner has stepped up and doing it for the club not the money 💙🤍
@RoyalPainUTD: More communication from Rob Couhig’s dog in one minute than we did in 8 years from Dai #readingfc
@john_lavender: @ReadingFC have a top guy in @robcouhig
@BRFC1875_: Well said rob, certain individuals see it as some toy, it’s a community it’s what makes some people’s weeks it’s what people love, too see people attempt to destroy that is disgusting. EFL need to start getting rid of unfit owners.
@SkySportsLyall: Fair to say that @RCouhig’s first interview as @ReadingFC owner will be utterly endearing to the fans. Personable, honest, hopeful… poor guy had a cold and his dog wanted all the limelight but Rob took the time to give us the best bit TV of the day! #Royals
