A petition to stop Wycombe Wanderers from purchasing Reading’s state-of-the-art training ground has nearly reached 5,000 signatures.

It was revealed in the late hours of March 13 via the Athletic that the Chairboys were set to acquire the Royals’ £50m Bearwoord Park Training Ground, for roughly half of what the ex-Premier League side paid for it in 2019.

Many fans and pundits have accused Reading’s owner, Dai Yongge, who has been heavily condemned by the footballing world, of stripping the club’s last asset to pay off outstanding debts to avoid another points deduction.

As it stands, the Berkshire-based team have had 16 points taken off them under his disastrous ownership which first began in May 2017.

Both Wanderers and Reading released a joint statement on March 14 to confirm that discussions had taken place, with Wycombe revealing that the deal was on an ‘exclusive basis with the expectation of completion’.

Reading’s Chief Executive, Dayong Pang, also confirmed that the ‘proposed transaction will directly support the short-term funding of the club until a full sale can be concluded.’

Despite the deal expecting to go ahead, fans of the former top-flight side are staging a peaceful protest outside Adams Park on March 15, whilst a petition to halt the transaction has gained nearly 5,000 signatures in less than 24 hours.

Organised by Reading fan Luke Tomlin, a section of the petition reads: “This move isn't just morally wrong but also extremely upsetting for all who hold this club dear in their hearts.

“We believe that Dai Yongge should be expelled from all ownership rights and compelled to sell the club to someone trustworthy who values its history and significance.


“The impact this situation has on fans like myself and many others around the world is immense, causing mental distress due to one individual's selfish actions.

“We cannot stand idle while our beloved club faces such jeopardy.”

Bucks Free Press: The banner that was put up outside Wycombe Wanderers' Marlow Road Training GroundThe banner that was put up outside Wycombe Wanderers' Marlow Road Training Ground (Image: X)

At the time of writing, 4,789 people have signed.

In addition to the petition, two anti-Wycombe banners have been erected.

One is currently outside the Chairboys’ Marlow Road Training Ground, whilst the other is situated on the gates of Reading’s Bearwood Park complex.

The latter banner reads: “Wycombe Wanderers never welcome here, Reading till I die”, whilst the banner at Marlow Road says ‘Don’t be complicit in the murder of Reading FC.

Wycombe’s next fixture is against Northampton Town on March 16 at Adams Park, whilst Reading will host out-of-form Cambridge United at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on the same day.