Reading legend Dave Kitson has admitted that he is ‘in awe’ of new owner Rob Couhig and his determination to take over the club.
Couhig, 75, spent nearly 18 months attempting to purchase the football club, initially intending to finalize the transaction in August 2024 but not receiving his name above the entrance until May 2025.
Kitson, who helped propel the Royals to the Premier League 20 years ago, is a regular at the SCL Stadium and a loyal supporter of his former club.
The former Stoke City and Portsmouth forward, who is currently manager of Maidenhead United’s women’s team, spoke with The Reading Chronicle about his previous club and what to expect from Noel Hunt’s side now that it is under stable ownership.
“I ran into Rob at Barnsley and am in awe of his endurance. Most individuals would have given up on the games that Dai was playing. That endurance is admirable, and if it spreads throughout the team, things will improve.
“It’s a massive task to get back where we want to be. It’s not just the first team; the women’s squad did not deserve what happened to them, and the Academy is extremely vital to the community. It’s a massive undertaking, but given Rob’s tenacity, ambition, and resolve to complete it, he’s the guy you want to rally behind and lead into battle.
“It will take some time; I am sure he will have discovered problems that were not evident at the time, and they must be addressed. It’s like when you buy a house; there’s always something leaking that you didn’t see the first time. I am confident he will get there. I have no doubt that he will make the necessary improvements.
The Royals overcome financial difficulties to finish eighth in League One last season, narrowly losing out on a play-off spot on the penultimate day of the season.
However, key players have left the club this summer, making it difficult for the team to capitalize on its outstanding performance.
“They’ve lost Wareham, Bindon, Mbengue, and Craig. These are major players. I’m not sure what the transfer policy is, but I do know that we have a fantastic track record of discovering people you’ve never heard of who go on to achieve big things. I know firsthand about the players we just mentioned.
“The trick is to create a team, keep them together, and add to it. Can you build on anything and keep them together long enough to accomplish their work? That is a football dilemma, not a Reading one. Everyone outside of the Premier League has that.
“Hopefully, the club will demonstrate to players that they are on the right track, and that whatever happens this season, if they stay here, the following season will be even better than the one before. That is the only promise you can give to the gamers. If you can persuade players to buy into that and keep them together, you have a good chance.
“I’m excited to watch what happens, and I’ll be down there. Maidenhead Women play on Sundays, so I’ll attend a few games and provide my support, for whatever it’s worth, over the season.
Kitson was one of many famous figures who returned to the SCL Stadium for the season’s final home match, which drew over 23,000 fans and included both Championship-winning managers, Steve Coppell and Brian McDermott, for the first time in more than two years.
“Barnsley demonstrated, off the pitch, that the support exists,” Kitson said. “Everyone wants the club to perform well. Nobody has anything negative to say about previous players or managers, and everyone wants the club to succeed. If you can provide supporters with a vision, they will come and support. Those admirers are present.
“The season before the Championship-winning season, I believe we had 11,000 for a game against Rotherham.” It was sold out early in the Championship-winning season, and tickets were difficult to get by every week.
“If you give the fans a vision, not a promise, that they can believe in and rally behind, they will come out in force to support you. It’s what he did in Wycombe, and I’m confident it will continue at Reading.”
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