Reading served winding-up petition by former CEO

18 December 2025

Alex Meakin,South of England and

Nathan Briant,South of England

News image — The Royals were taken over by its current owners in May

Getty Images A general view of the SCL Stadium in Reading ahead of a match against Northampton Town in October. It is dark outside and the stadium's floodlights are on. — The Royals were taken over by its current owners in May

Reading Football Club has been served with a winding-up petition by its former chief executive over what he said is lost earnings or money owed to him.

Nigel Howe, who worked for the Royals for 29 years, said he was "disappointed that it has come to this", following a hearing in November over £99,614.

"I'm hoping to get it resolved as soon as possible," Mr Howe told BBC Berkshire.

In a statement, the League One club confirmed there is an "ongoing dispute" with Mr Howe but that it denies any claims against it.

A picture of Nigel Howe sat in front of a Reading FC banner and wearing a blue jumper and white T-shirt. He has short, brown hair. — Nigel Howe worked for Reading Football Club for 29 years

"Reading Football Club confirms that it is in an ongoing dispute with Mr Nigel Howe. The club denies any claims made against it," it said.

"Given the ongoing dispute and potential legal proceedings, the club will not be making any further comment at this time."

Mr Howe had overseen the sale of the club under its previous owner Dai Yongge.

Since May, the Royals have been owned by Redwood Holdings, a subsidiary of Dogwood Football LLC which is owned by American lawyer Rob Couhig and his business partner Todd Trosclair.

Reading are currently 18th in League One after 19 games played this season.