l-rl Dennis Bergkamp, Ian Wright, Martin Keown, Arsene Wenger, Thierry Henry, David Dein MBE, former vice chairman of Arsenal during FWA’s Tribute Night at the Landmark Hotel, London. Picture date: Sunday January 19, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story _(Image: John Walton)_
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Former Reading defender Martin Keown has labelled the current situation at the club 'a crying shame.'
The Arsenal legend ended his illustrious playing career, which included 43 England caps, in Berkshire with Steve Coppell during the 2004/05 campaign.
Suffering with injuries, the 58-year-old managed just five matches for the Royals before retiring ahead of the title-winning 2005/06 season.
In stark contrast to the club's rise during Keown short stay, the Royals' very future in the English Football League is currently at risk as owner Dai Yongge was disqualified and given a matter of weeks to sell the club.
"I thought it was a great club with really good people," Keown told TalkSPORT. "Eamonn Dolan was there as a youth team coach, sadly gone now, Brian McDermott, what a great guy he was. Really good people behind the scenes. John Madejski was always a very good man who loved the club.
"To see it go the way it has is a crying shame. You really hope it’s going to be rescued."
Keown's interest in Reading continued after his retirement as son Niall progressed through the club's Academy, making two appearances for the first-team in 2015.