Reading: Mark Bowen gives update on club sale after 'difficult week'

Reading's head of football operations Mark Bowen has called for the fans' backing in their final 10 games.

The Royals sit 16th, five points above the relegation zone, in a congested League One table that has just three points between 20th and 14th position.

Bowen thanked the fans after a week in which Ruben Selles' side were deducted two points but won in the league at Carlisle United.

"Another hugely difficult week for the club, the players, the staff and also for you, our fantastic fans, has just passed," he said.

"I feel now is the perfect time to say a heartfelt thanks to you all, from Rubén, the players and myself.

"To see almost 1400 fans travel all the way to Carlisle, on a cold, wet, late winter's Saturday, to make sure that our team have the huge vocal support that inevitably pushed them on to an important success was amazing, just amazing.

"And with ten games to go, in order to secure our League One status, that togetherness which I'm sure we can all feel is going to be of big significance."

Promising update on club sale

Reading received their third points deduction of the season last week when they were docked two more points by the English Football League (EFL).

The club have had a further two-point penalty suspended after failing to pay dues to HMRC within an 80-day limit imposed by the EFL.

The club previously had four points deducted for their failure to pay wages on several occasions the previous year.

Bowen provided an update regarding the sale of the League One club, which is being overseen by former Royals chief executive Nigel Howe on behalf of owner Dai Yongge.

"The sale of the Club is progressing," Bowen said. "There have been an extremely high volume of enquiries, with some primarily focused on the Club's real estate assets.

"Whilst every proposal is considered, the primary focus for Nigel Howe and Mr Dai is to sell all assets and the Club inclusively - so we must be patient in allowing the correct process to be followed."

Reading's next league game is at home to Wycombe Wanderers at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday.