Madejski: the best we can do by a mile

Reading FC Chairman Sir John Madejski has declared himself happy with the prospective new owners of the Thames Valley-based football club, report the BBC.

The Royals announced last week that they were to enter a 'partnership' with a Thai consortium, headed by 76-year-old businesswoman Khunying Sasima Srivikorn. Though the deal is yet to be complete, Madejski sees it as 'inconceivable' that the takeover would collapse.

Speaking to BBC South Today, Sir John said:

"I have great hopes and as far as I am concerned this is the best we can do by a mile,"

And, speaking about He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named:

"This has rolled on for a very long time since the Zingarevich family decided to up stumps and move away, we've had a tedious year but we have finally now found some very nice people to take over.

"Last time, I was so beguiled by the credentials of his billionaire status and the fact Anton went to school nearby it seemed like it was too good to be true and sadly it was. This time it was more measured."

Well, that's encouraging.

On Khunying Sasima, he described her as a "charming lady", adding:

"She has an unblemished business career behind her.

"She was educated in this country and also went to Harvard Business School. I'm delighted that her and her consortium are finally giving Reading some stability.

"It has been very hairy for the past year since the Russians departed and (I'm delighted) that we have such sweet people coming in to take over the club."

Perhaps most importantly, he ended his interview by saying the consortium has "extremely deep pockets".

Read the report in its entirety here.

How do you perceive Madejski's latest comments? Are you excited, or wary? Let us know below.