“They Were Here Before Me And They Will Be Here After Me” – Manager Responds To Reading FC Protests
Reading FC fan group Sell Before We Dai have organised a peaceful “sit in” protest after the season opener against Peterborough United over serious ongoing issues surrounding the club.
The protest group formed in opposition to owner Dai Yongge’s running of the club which has seen relegation as well as numerous EFL charges. The club recently had to contend with a second transfer embargo this summer due to late payments to HMRC which halted moved for players such as Charlie Savage from Manchester United as well as several unresolved charges relating to unpaid wages to staff. This could result in points deductions and further penalties.
The protesters plan to peacefully remain in their seats and have urged other fans to get involved after the game. This has continued their trend of peaceful action which has included interviews with the media and podcast appearances such as The Real EFL Podcast.
SIT IN FOR DAI OUT
Thanks for your input on what we should do against Peterborough – it’s a sit in at full time!
For max effectiveness following the game, move to Coppell’s Corner to join.#SellBeforeWeDai #ReadingFC
— Sell Before We Dai (@SellBeforeWeDai) July 30, 2023
Ruben Selles, manager of Reading FC joined the club in the summer amidst the off field chaos and has expressed his understanding for the frustration, and concluded that the group are well within their rights to protest. In quote provided to The Reading Chronicle he stated:
“I will always thank the fans. They have an opinion about the club of their lives, so I don’t have an opinion about that”
” In a couple of games, they could do it because they don’t like my team, so they have the right to do it. They were here before me, and they will be here after me. It is the club that they love, their passion, and they don’t feel happy because of the situation. Against who is not interesting to me. For me, it’s their choice. I understand their passions and that it is the club they love.”
Writer’s View
The situation for Reading fans is difficult, today should be a day of excitement as the season gets underway against a tough opposition with a new manager in place. However, the news has been blighted by a series of off field issues that has lead many to fear that there may not be a club to support in years to come. The Sell Before We Dai group are an example of how protest groups should be run. They remain peaceful, whilst also coming up with inventive ways to apply pressure. The players have suffered, new signings have had to wait in uncertainty and there remains a dark cloud hanging over the club.
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‘Jumped in a car’ – Harlee Dean opens up on Reading transfer after Birmingham City exit
Harlee Dean admits signing for Reading was an easy decision once he became aware of the Royals’ interest.
The former Birmingham City captain, who made 200 appearances over six years at Blues, has signed a two-year deal to help Reading regain their Championship status.
In doing so he follows the same path as his Blues predecessor Michael Morrison, who left St Andrew’s to become an important player for Reading. The 32-year-old also has an eye on the future and is in intent on helping out the club’s younger players.
“I’ve been around the squad for three weeks, so I am really happy to get it done, and now I am looking forward to having a good season,” he told the club website.
“A club like Reading, you aren’t going to say ‘No’! Once I knew they were interested, I jumped into the car and headed to the training ground.
“I want to be a part of what the hierarchy has planned for the club. Working with the manager [Ruben Selles] and the coaches, I have been really impressed.
“I think this is a top appointment for this level. He is intense, dedicated, and passionate. It might not be perfect right away, but I am certain he will get there.
“Speaking to the manager and seeing the way he wants to play, he has a clear philosophy. If you have a manager you stick behind win, loss, or draw, eventually it works out well.”
At 32 and with 500 career appearances on his CV and a promition from League One Dean knows he will bring leadership to the Royal.
“I still speak to the person I looked up to at Brentford and remember how much he helped me,” he continued. “When my career is said and done, I would like to be able to know I helped people in the same way that fella helped me.
“I will bring a lot, especially to some of the younger lads I would love to help develop. We need to unite as a team, with the team, fans, and staff all working hard. When we step onto the pitch, we will give 100%, so back us, and hopefully we will have a good year.”
