Reading have been hit by a winding-up petition by their former chief executive.
Nigel Howe is attempting to liquidate the League One club less than seven months after Dai Yongge was finally forced out as owner.
Reading were bought in May by former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig and his business partner Todd Trosclair via investment vehicle Redwood Holdings.
Telegraph Sport has been told Howe claims to be owed almost £100,000 by the club after obtaining a County Court Judgment against them last month.
Howe, a property developer and nephew of former England coach Don Howe, had been tasked by Yongge last year with overseeing the sale of the club.
Prior to the takeover, Howe had held various roles at Reading dating back to when John Madejski became owner three decades ago.
Howe had more than one stint as chief executive and also served as vice-chairman.
Reading said in a statement: “Reading Football Club confirms that it is in an ongoing dispute with Mr Nigel Howe. The club denies any claims made against it. Given the ongoing dispute and potential legal proceedings, the club will not be making any further comment at this time.”
Howe’s legal representative, Peter Coyle of Coyle White Devine, said: “My client, Nigel Howe, has no comment to make, save that he very much hopes for an amicable settlement with Reading FC soon.”
May marked the end of Yongge’s turbulent ownership of the club. During his tenure, Reading were placed under a number of transfer embargoes and deducted 18 points.
In a statement at the time, Reading said: “The club are pleased to announce that Redwood Holdings Limited – a subsidiary company of Dogwood LLC, owned by Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair of New Orleans, Louisiana – has completed the acquisition of 100 per cent of the shareholding in Reading Football Club.
“The takeover, which has received EFL clearance, completed very early on Wednesday morning and includes the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park training ground. Both Couhig and Trosclair will join the club’s board with immediate effect, with Rob Couhig being named as chairman.
“Redwood is ambitious and dedicated towards the club returning to its rightful place within the English football pyramid, while adhering to clear principles of honesty, transparency, and financial sustainability. Further communication from Redwood will follow in due course.”
Under Yongge’s ownership, the men’s side were relegated to the third tier while the women’s team withdrew from the Women’s Championship last year for financial reasons.
Previous negotiations for Couhig to purchase Reading broke down in September 2024, and in March of this year, Yongge – who was disqualified as a director of the club by the EFL – claimed Couhig was blocking his efforts to sell.
