Utter bollocks.
Reading's league averages for the period in question were:
1967/68 - 8,127
1968/69 - 6,552
1969/70 - 9,855
1970/71 - 6,889
1971/72 - 5,531
1972/73 - 5,321
You football snobs make me laugh. Surely you realise that every football club had to start somewhere? That success at any club naturally brings higher attendances? And that wealthy backers are commonplace throughout the modern game regardless of the level?
The Manchester United guys have taken on a project, put their money into a tiny club that's local to them and are trying to build it up. They seem to be doing alright so far, but apparently their efforts are frowned upon by fans of 'authentic' clubs like Reading.
I bet they're gutted about that.....