Reading FC

Promised land: Reading FC owner Anton Zingarevich and chairman Sir John Madejski will lead the club into the Premier League next season
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Madejski: TSI deal signals the end of an era at Reading FC

By Jonny Fordham
May 30, 2012

Sir John Madejski's Royals reign came to an end yesterday as he made way for a Russian revolution.

Millionaire Anton Zingarevich completed his Thames Sports Investment-led buyout, paying £25million for a 51-per-cent stake in the club, after the Premier League and Football League rubber stamped the deal – almost two months after the original deadline.

Tycoon Sir John had been in full control of the club for nearly 22 years, but his legacy will last for decades having saved the club from extinction.

The announcement of the takeover comes exactly 17 years after Royals were beaten 4-3 by Bolton Wanderers in the Division One play-off final at Wembley.

“It is the end of one era, but the start of another,” said the 71-year-old entrepreneur, who makes way for 30-year-old Zingarevich, son of a billionaire paper tycoon.

“It’s exciting times. Now we can really start getting on with things – it’s great.

“The club will be run in the same way and it’s business as usual.

“It feels great getting this done having been here for 22 years and coming from Elm Park.

“However, it’s not about me, it’s about the club and all the people who work here and support Reading.

“I’m delighted to be staying on as chairman and I’ll be doing that until at least 2014.”

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Sir John, current director Ian Wood-Smith and chief executive Nigel Howe will now be joined on the board by financier Chris Samuelson and Andrew Obolensky – another financial expert – as well as former Bearwood College pupil Zingarevich.

Loyal Royals had begun to wonder if the takeover would ever materialise after both the club and the Premier League refused to comment on the deal when asked by the Reading Post earlier this month.

However, Sir John always knew that they would complete the transaction in the end.

He added: “There were never any doubts, things just take time.

“Quite frankly I think that is a good thing these days as you have seen what has happened elsewhere in football.”

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Will the Sig follow Rodgers to Liverpool?

Tilidie, Reading
31/05/2012 at 09:14

Cor Blimey! Big P is taking a battering today aint he!!

Tilidie, Reading
30/05/2012 at 20:06

With Rogers off to Liverpool, now is the chance to get in and sign Gilfi!! Mr Zingarevich your first investment in a player could be your best.

Royals1871
30/05/2012 at 17:29

Big P, Reading , very good name ,because you certainly are one .

STONORBILL, reading
30/05/2012 at 17:20

Big P you obviously don't come from Reading.

Would you have supported Reading FC all them years ago when they were skint and going out of business.

The whole town laught when he said he was going to get Reading in the top flight.

Charles Thorn, Tilehurst
30/05/2012 at 16:27

Thank you Sir John...a true footballing legend.

up for debate, lost
30/05/2012 at 16:11

Anyone got a spare bucket?

Big P, Reading
30/05/2012 at 14:40

Spot on Tilehurst Ender; Sir John, Thank you

AngloinParis, Paris, France
30/05/2012 at 13:10

Sir John Madejski So proud of you and what you have done for the people in Reading. The only person with money who cares about Reading and Reading Football Club.

One question is someone told me that that they tried to take over Everton but where not allowed for some unknown reason. Any Comments (just a little bit worried about them dissapearing after a while.

Charles Thorn, Tilehurst
30/05/2012 at 13:02

Sir John Madejski - If there was a Chairman of the year award, you would win it every year!

You have put Reading on the Map, and we will never forget it.

Tilehurst Ender, Spencers wood
30/05/2012 at 12:31

A big 'Thank you' to sir John from me. I was there when you took control of the club and you've kept on solid ground in some very lean times!

You will always have my and genuine Reading fans gratitude.

TilehurstSouthbank, Tilehurst, Reading
30/05/2012 at 11:11

Sorry Blackburn, I was trying to be slightly amusing. Not sure that my one liner required such a vitriolic response and where did I say I was a fan?

Bigboy, woodley
30/05/2012 at 10:36

Not so big boy (woodley) so called fans like u we dont need so do use all a favour and crawl back were u belong Say Oxford

BlackburnRoyal, Blackburn
30/05/2012 at 10:24

BlackburnRoyal. He must have been very busy when he was younger.

Bigboy, woodley
30/05/2012 at 09:44

I find it very poignant to mention that this news has come 17 years after that day at Wembley. Bar our four season stay in the third tier (two or three of which were promotion chasing) how many clubs can claim to have been a top end tier two club without spending millions and having less than a dozen managers in that time? Not many I think...

Kudos Sir John, for all that's been said in the past many forget that RFC were one of the few clubs outside the top tier to still appear financially viable following the ITV Digital collapse. Being strong off the pitch is just as important as being strong on it for long term success. Even before Anton came along I've been very proud to see us as that. Hopefully now we can be even more proud of our adventures on the pitch! C'mon URZ!