Former Reading chairman Roger Smee—not owner Dai Yongge—said on 3 December 2024 that his attempt to buy Reading FC had been rejected. Smee also criticised the leak of news about his bid. He did not disclose its price, financing or conditions, so those terms cannot be established from his statement.
What Roger Smee said about his bid
Smee said his team had submitted the bid the previous week after many months of preparation. He described it as a structured proposal developed with local stakeholders and said he believed it was competitive with proposals that had previously been entertained and given public exclusivity. That was Smee’s assessment; the bid’s terms and any independent valuation were not made public.
He said his interest was motivated by Reading’s future and its place in the town’s sporting and cultural life. He also said he was disappointed that the bid had been reported publicly, describing the leak as something he did not want and that “helps no-one.”
“I am equally sad to tell you my bid has been rejected.”
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.#1 Best Overall
Reading Is My Favorite Sport Football World Book Day T-Shirt
- Reading Is My Favorite Sport Football World Book Day t-shirt. Great costume for men, women, boys, girls, kids, adults & teens! Suitable as a gift for friends and relatives.
- Reading Is My Favorite Sport Football World Book Day shirt will be a great gag gift for dad, mom, grandpa, grandma, wife, husband, sister, brother or friend.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
—Roger Smee, as quoted by BBC Sport on 3 December 2024
Was the response from Dai Yongge?
No. The reported statement came from Smee, identified by BBC Sport as a former Reading chairman. The report says Smee’s bid was rejected; it does not quote Dai Yongge responding to the bid. The headline phrasing can therefore be misleading if read as an account of Dai’s comments.
Rank #2
- Football, tshirts, Football shirts, Football mom shirts, mama shirts, Football gifts, mom gifts, Football design, Football tees, Football mens shirts, Football womens shirts, Football tshirts, Football funny shirts, Football womens
- Great shirt for yourself, family, grandpa, grandma, grandmother, grandfather, mom, dad, sister, brother, uncle, aunt, men, women or anyone on birthday, summer, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Family Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas or any anniversary
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
How Smee’s bid differed from the separate exclusivity talks
At the end of November 2024, Reading said a sale process was continuing with an unnamed party that had been granted exclusivity. BBC Sport reported that this party was separate from Smee. Reading declined the BBC’s request for comment on his bid.
Smee said he believed his offer was competitive with earlier proposals that had received exclusivity, but the report does not provide enough comparable information to rank bids. It discloses no offer price, financing, conditions or other terms for Smee’s proposal.
Rank #3
- Solid color tees are 100% cotton, other are a cotton/polyester Blend.
- Topstitched rib crewneck
- Double-needle stitched sleeves and bottom hem
- Printed in the USA
What happened to Reading FC after Smee’s bid
Smee’s rejected bid was not the transaction that ultimately changed the club’s ownership. On 3 May 2025, Reading announced a sale in principle to Redwood Holdings Limited. The club said the proposed transaction included the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Ground, with completion still subject to legal technicalities. Reading FC’s announcement
BBC Sport reported on 14 May 2025 that the acquisition had completed, ending Dai Yongge’s ownership. The completed acquisition was separate from Smee’s rejected December 2024 bid. BBC Sport’s completion report
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Reading as Sport design. Retro Reading Is My Favorite Sport Football World Book Day apparel is perfect for book readers celebrating World Book Day. Nice holiday outfit for a book lover and collector who loves reading books from libraries as a hobby.
- Are you a bookworm who loves browsing the library bookshelf to read books? This World Book Day apparel is perfect! Nice outfit for a Football player who educates oneself through reading educational books and learning materials.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
