Reading have sacked manager Noel Hunt after less than a year in charge, despite chairman Rob Couhig describing the former Royals striker as ‘part of the fabric’ of the League One club.
Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Doncaster Rovers leave Reading just two points above the relegation zone in 19th place, with only three wins from 14 league games this season.
Couhig said in a statement on Reading’s website that it had been a ‘difficult’ decision to part with 42-year-old Hunt but ‘results have not reached the level required’.
A fan favourite during his playing days at the club, Hunt made 162 appearances during his five-year spell at the club, scoring 39 goals.
He signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to lead Reading in December 2024, following Ruben Selles’ departure to Hull City. He previously had a stint as caretaker boss following the sacking of Paul Ince in April 2023.
Couhig said: ‘Noel Hunt is far more than just a former manager of this football club – he is part of the fabric of Reading FC.
‘As a player, he fought for this badge. As a coach in our Academy, he helped shape the next generation of Royals. As First Team Manager, he stepped up in very challenging circumstances and gave everything for the club.
‘Noel has conducted himself with integrity, hard work and total commitment. He cares deeply about Reading Football Club and he leaves with his head held high.’
Couhig completed his purchase of Reading back in May after agreeing to take over from controversial previous owner Dai Yongge.
He chose to stick with the former Republic of Ireland forward as boss and backed him throughout his time at the SCL, although last week admitted he was ‘frustrated’ by Reading’s poor start to the season.
He continued in his statement: ‘When I spoke recently about frustration, accountability and sometimes needing to be more ruthless, I was speaking honestly about the standards we must hold ourselves to if we want to grow.
‘That responsibility begins with me. My duty is to make the decisions I believe give this club the best chance of long-term success. This is one of those decisions – not an easy one, but a necessary one.’
The Reading role was Hunt’s first full and permanent managerial position. Away from Berkshire, he spent time at Swindon Town as caretaker and assistant boss of the Robins.
With Couhig, the chief executive, captain, and several staff all ex-Wycombe Wanderers people, it’s little surprise that Gareth Ainsworth and Matt Bloomfield are the bookies’ favourites to succeed him.
