Reading training ground sale talk untrue - Couhig

Reading owner Rob Couhig has called reports suggesting the club might look to sell their training ground "categorically untrue".

The Royals chairman - who succeeded controversial former owner Dai Yongge when he took over the club last May - also denied social media rumours Reading would downgrade its academy, which has a category one status.

"I want to be absolutely clear with you: those claims are categorically untrue," Couhig said in a lengthy statement, external issued on the Reading website.

"There are no plans to sell the training ground and there are no plans to downgrade the academy - both are vital parts of the club's present and future and any suggestion otherwise is inaccurate and misleading.

"I am acutely aware that, after what supporters have endured in recent years, misleading or speculative articles in the press can cause understandable concern.

"You have been let down before and I understand why trust does not come easily - that is why I believe it is important to address these matters directly, rather than allow uncertainty to linger."

On the pitch, the Royals have been one of the in-form teams in League One recently - having sat 19th when Leam Richardson took over in late October, they are now up to 10th.

Three wins in their last four games have propelled Reading to within six points of the play-off places and Couhig hinted there are plans in place to add to the squad in the winter window.

"There are genuine reasons for optimism," he added. "The recent upturn in results under the new management team has been encouraging and you can see the renewed belief, organisation and togetherness within the squad.

"With the January transfer window now open, much of the groundwork has already been under way behind the scenes, and we will continue to support Leam and his staff in strengthening the group where possible, always within a responsible framework that serves the club's long-term interests."