Reading implement drastic cost-cutting measures as financial crisis deepens

18-Jan-2024 19:16:13 | The Guardian

Club rejig training plans to avoid paying for undersoil heating
Nineteen redundancies made and about £4m owed to suppliers

Reading’s dire finances have led staff to rejig training plans to avoid paying for undersoil heating, as the crisis club look to curb costs. The League One side, owned by the Chinese businessman Dai Yongge, have implemented a number of drastic cost-cutting measures, including 19 redundancies, and owe about £4m to suppliers.

Staff and former employees talk of “firefighting” on a daily basis as the club fights a series of off-field problems. The English Football League has called for Yongge to fund or sell the club after displaying a “clear disregard” for his duties.