Exclusive: Lewis Wing Eyes Play-Off Glory to Lift Reading Fans Amid Off-Field Turmoil

Lewis Wing would love to give Reading’s faithful fans a season to savour by having a play-off run. 

The Royals’ fans have endured a torturous takeover saga for well over a year since Dai Yongge announced he was looking to sell the club. 

But the troubles had mounted long before that. It is a sad story for a club who were playing Premier League football just over a decade ago. 

They have been imposed with points deductions and sanctions for failing to pay their players and the non-payment of taxes. 

Since the summer transfer window in 2023, Reading have been forced to sell seven players to help keep the club afloat. 

Notably, star striker Sam Smith was sold to promotion-chasing Wrexham last week. It is understably a source of frustration for the supporters. 

“That is our main aim…to put a smile on their faces,” stand-in captain Wing told SportsBoom.com. 

“Everyone at the club is suffering so if we can perform on the pitch and get promoted then that would be very special for us as players, but more so the fans.”

“It would probably be at the very top of my career achievements wise because of all the circumstances surrounding the club. It would be a very special moment.”

“It’s actually sad to say that you’re kind of getting used to it [off-field issues] with how long it’s gone on.”

“I’ve only been here a year and a half or so, but I’ve had to live with it since I came here. You have to get used to it as sad as that is.”

“I feel like I’ve got such a connection with the fans. I think that’s why they’re getting the best out of me because I can feel that love and support.”

“It’s been a fantastic start to my Reading career in terms of bonding with the fans and performing on the pitch.”

WING LIKES LEADING FROM FRONT

Noel Hunt’s Royals are among a tight bunch of clubs around the play-off mark heading into the business end of the season. 

Midfield maestro Wing is currently wearing the captain’s armband with Andy Yiadom having not played since April due to a long-term knee injury.

On the captaincy, Wing said: “I’ve really enjoyed it. Obviously it was a proud moment for me.” 

“I haven’t really changed much about myself. I’ve kept myself who I am.”

“I am the type of captain who wants to lead from the front. I don’t need to say too much, I like to do my talking on the pitch and hopefully that can lead to others following that example.”

And asked how he enjoys spending his downtime, he added: “The golf course is how I unwind. My handicap is zero.”

“I played a lot when I was younger. I didn’t play for ages, but ever since about seven years ago I’ve been fully into it, fully invested.”

“I’ve played all the big courses round where we are, there are some lovely places to play.” 

“It just gives you that time to unwind. You can be really angry after a loss, but it can help take your mind off it. It allows you to switch off.”