Former Reading Chairman Roger Smee’s Takeover Bid Rejected

Roger Smee, a former chairman of Reading, has confirmed that his offer to acquire the club was unsuccessful. He also expressed his dissatisfaction to the BBC regarding the disclosure of his attempt to purchase the League One team to the press. In a statement, he reiterated his disappointment about the media leak concerning his proposal. Smee assumed the role of Reading’s chairman in July 1983. During his leadership, the club made its inaugural appearance at Wembley and secured promotions from the Fourth and Third Divisions, as they were known at the time. In late November, Reading announced that a sale process was still underway with an undisclosed party that had been granted an exclusive negotiation period. This group is distinct from Smee’s and continues to engage in discussions with the club. “After many months of diligently preparing a structured and connected bid in alliance with many of the town’s key local stakeholders, I’m disappointed that news of my bid has been leaked to the media,” Smee stated. He continued, “I am respectful of the owner and the sale process and wanted my interest to remain private. “In response to these claims in the media I reluctantly feel I have to comment. I confirm that my team submitted a carefully considered bid last week. I believe it was firmly competitive with previous proposals that had been entertained and publicly granted exclusivity. “At this stage I am not prepare to divulge the details of the bid, once again in respect to the owners, the ongoing process and their dedicated fans. “I confirm the motivation for my interest is solely the future for Reading Football Club, ensuring it continues to play at the highest level and playing an integral role in the town’s sporting and cultural community. “Disappointingly, after more than a year with a full working team with no public leakage of our efforts, these efforts have appeared in the press. “This is not what I wanted and it helps no-one, I am equally sad to tell you my bid has been rejected.” Separately, an earlier attempt by Rob Couhig, the former owner of Wycombe Wanderers, to purchase the Royals from Dai Yongge, also failed in September. The BBC sought a statement from Reading regarding Smee’s offer, but the club chose not to comment.