'Bang out of order' - Leyton Orient boss' message of solidarity to Reading

Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens sent a message of solidarity to Reading and the club's supporters after the two League One clubs played out a draw at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

The spoils were shared in Berkshire as a goal from Royals midfielder Harvey Knibbs cancelled out an early penalty from Dan Agyei. The Os dominated in the second half but Reading were resilient and have now lost just one of their last nine league fixtures.

The progress on the pitch for Ruben Selles and his men comes at a time when little change appears to be taking place off it. The club has had a total of 16 points deducted in recent seasons as owner Dai Yongge failed to pay staff members and HMRC taxes.

Speaking after the game Wellens, whose son Charlie is a player at Reading, said: "At some clubs, it can be difficult because players want to leave and staff if they aren't being paid, or whatever it may be. It's a massive manager who has players who are willing to run and they kept going until the end. We had four or five opportunities in the last 10 minutes to win it but they are still running back, putting blocks on the line.

"I think it's a brilliant football club here. We saw all the young lads, youth team players coming in with tracksuits. What the club has gone through, them kids want to play for this first team and the fact people put this club in danger is bang out of order. It's a terrific football club."

Yongge has been told to either 'fund' or 'sell' the club by the EFL after protests by supporters during a League One meeting with Port Vale saw fans enter the pitch and the match abandoned earlier this month.

The EFL said: "As Reading FC supporters are only too aware, it has in recent months become increasingly clear that Mr Dai Yongge is no longer in a position - or does not have the motivation - to support the Club financially as he did following the change of control in 2017.    

"In November 2023, the EFL called for the disqualification of Mr Dai following the failure to fund the deposit account to cover player and staff salaries following repeated breaches of EFL Regulations. This was ultimately rejected by an Independent Disciplinary Commission and a financial sanction was imposed instead.  

"The EFL has now received confirmation that Mr Dai did not meet last Friday’s latest deadline to fund the deposit account as ordered, meaning he has been in default for nearly four months.  As a result – and as per the terms of the 15 December decision - a further £50,000 fine has now been imposed, taking the total to £80,000.  

"His continued failings mean that once again the Club's hardworking staff have no reassurance as to payment of wages and demonstrates a clear disregard for his obligations as a director of the Club. In respect of this issue, the League will now consider all available options it has under the Regulations and will have no hesitation in bringing further charges against Mr Dai."