Wycombe Wanderers in talks with Reading FC over purchase of Bearwood Park Training Facility

Wycombe Wanderers have confirmed they are in talks with Reading Football Club over the potential purchase of the Bearwood Park training facility.

Last weekend, the owner of Reading issued a public statement announcing the availability of Bearwood Park for sale, which is owned by the club.

Chairman, Mr Dai Yongge and CEO Dayong Pang said: "Mr Dai, is currently evaluating every option at present to secure sufficient funding until new ownership is confirmed. In doing so, he is open to the sale of Bearwood Park, should an appropriate offer be received.".

"Whilst dialogue with potential new ownership groups are progressing, as of today no single party has been granted exclusivity. Mr Dai, and representatives, will continue to liaise with interested parties and hope to move forwards at the earliest possible opportunity".

Today, Reading posted the following statement

"Mr Dai can confirm he is in talks with Wycombe Wanderers Football Club Limited regarding the sale of Bearwood Park".

Chief Executive Dayong Pang said, "Whilst an agreement is not yet finalised, both parties will move forward with the process exclusively. The proposed transaction will directly support the short-term funding of the club until a full sale can be concluded. Further updates, including possible options for an alternative training facility, will be communicated when appropriate.”

Wycombe Wanderers say they have have been actively pursuing options to either upgrade their current facility at Marlow Road or relocate to a new facility that would accommodate their expansion plans and future vision.

The negotiations between the two parties are progressing on an exclusive basis with the expectation of completing the transaction. Wycombe Wanderers express their hope that if the deal goes through, it will provide Reading with the necessary financial support to meet their ongoing obligations.

We are told that further updates on the situation "will be provided as they become available".

What do fans think?

Reading Fans have given an overwhelmingly negative reaction to the news to on social media. While we understand a protest is being planned by their fans outside Adams Park, the home stadium of Wycombe Wanderers.

The 'Sell before we Dai Group' of reading FC Supporters say they fear the implications of selling one of the club's key assets.

The move has ignited a flurry of speculation regarding the motives behind the sale, with many questioning whether it reflects a deeper disinterest in the club's future or a strategic financial decision.

They've condemned the decision, emphasizing the potential ramifications for the club's long-standing legacy and its loyal fanbase.

In a statement they've said: "Selling our training ground is a betrayal of the club's values and heritage"

"It shows a blatant disregard for the fans and undermines the future of Reading FC."

Concerns have also been raised about the impact of the sale on the club's attractiveness to potential investors.

A protest IS scheduled to take place outside Adams Park, inviting not only Reading FC supporters but also sympathizers from other clubs, including Wycombe Wanderers, who share similar concerns about the impact of ownership decisions on the integrity of football clubs.

The Facility

Bearwood Park is located within the Bearwood Estate in Wokingham and only became Reading FC's main training facility in 2019-20 season.

It's believed that the site cost around £50million to build.

The facilities there include three full-size pitches, all-weather surface, goalkeeping area, first team building, Academy facility, and ancillary buildings.

The premier league standard of the site also allows for the club who owns it to sustain a Category One Academy status.

Wycombe's efforts to re-vamp their current training ground at Marlow Road have been much publicised.

The club were forced to apologise to Buckinghamshire council for upgrading it without seeking planning permission, back in April 2022.

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