IS IT cowardly for the owner of a football club to shy from the limelight? Or simply a sensible precaution?
Dai Yongge, the Chinese supermarket tycoon who bought Reading in 2017, boasts a £600m fortune and owns a Westminster mansion across the road from Buckingham Palace.
Yet earlier this year, staff at the League One side’s Bearwood Park training ground found themselves working in freezing offices because the club couldn’t afford to pay heating bills. Several would later lose their jobs.
Yongge kept resolutely schtum, just as he did when wages turned up late, tax bills went unpaid, and points were docked by the EFL.
This juxtaposition of breadline hardship and vast personal wealth made Yongge’s silence completely unacceptable, and justified the on-pitch protests that marred several of Reading’s League One fixtures. He was bang out of order and cowardly to the core.
Equally, though, there are times when transparency is counterproductive. Back in October, Accrington Stanley owner Andy Holt reacted furiously to a radio interview given by the club’s assistant manager Jimmy Bell during which he had agitated for a new contract.
This story is from the June 16, 2024 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 16, 2024 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BISH BASH BOSH! IT'S LINING UP FOR LEWIS
DAVE Lewis believes Bashley are yet to ‘reach their ceiling’.
REBELS YELL FOR GREAT CAUSE
FOOTBALL shirts specially designed by Worthing FC Supporters Association and local artists Two Faced Twins have been such a hit they’ve been able to hand over a sizeable cheque.
FLEET IN BOSS HUNT...AGAIN!
STRUGGLING Ebbsfleet United are searching for their third manager of the season after Harry Watling left Stonebridge Road after just 90 days in charge.
TOP TALENT HAD 'MAGIC AT HIS FEET'
TRIBUTES have been paid for a talented 17-year-old with ‘magic at his feet’ who passed away after collapsing on the pitch.
ALPORT GO ON THE ATTACK TO SEAL PLACE IN LAST 32!
ALL out attack eventually delivered a warranted win for Whitchurch – despite living dangerously late on.
BRILLIANT BECKWITH INSPIRES LEADERS
GOALKEEPER Charlie Beckwith made the difference as his clean sheet and a goal from Cemel Ramadan saw Bury Town take all three points at Chadfields yesterday afternoon.
OWLS WIN KEY CLASH IN BATTLE FOR TITLE
LEAGUE leaders Cleethorpes claimed an important win over second-placed Emley to move four points clear at the summit of the East Division.
BARDS DO THE HARD YARDS IN BIG WIN
THERE was not much to warm Stamford’s fans as the Daniels were beaten by a good Stratford side.
FREDDIE TREBLE TEES UP LATE WIN
FREDDIE PARKER scored his second hat-trick of the season as Cray Valley came from behind to win in what was a great advert for Non-League football.
TIGERS & LIONS IN A TASTY SCRAP!
PLAY-OFF contenders Hyde United and Guiseley had to settle for a share of the spoils after a hard-fought encounter.
