A second League One side have parted company with their first team manager in 24 hours as Reading join Peterborough United by sacking boss Noel Hunt.
This was expected to be a season of rebirth for Reading FC, after years of ownership issues, the club was finally saved by Redwood Holdings Limited which included Rob Couhig. However, the expected bounce never came as the club started the season off poorly.
They currently sit in 19th position, just two points above the drop zone with only three wins this season. The final nail in the coffin was the 1-1 draw against a severely out of form Doncaster Rovers side which left them earning only six points from their last five games.
There was also seemingly no improvement on the pitch as costly mistakes and often a noticeable lack of passion from some players illustrated some severe problems.
What has Reading said on Noel Hunt’s Departure?
In a statement on the club’s official website Rob Couhig addressed the news.
“Today I have made the decision to terminate the contract of First Team Manager Noel Hunt.
This is a difficult day for everyone at Reading Football Club. As I said recently, football is a performance-based business and while we have seen moments of progress this season, results have not reached the level required. After honest discussions inside the club in recent weeks, I believe this is the right moment to make a change to move us forward.
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.
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.
Noel has been a tremendous servant to Reading Football Club over many years and I firmly believe he will go on to have a successful managerial career. He has all the qualities to do so, and he leaves with the respect of myself, our ownership group and everyone at Reading. He will always be welcome at the Select Car Leasing Stadium – once a Royal, always a Royal.
I also want to thank our supporters. Your passion and loyalty through this period of transition has been remarkable. Change can be difficult, but we will move forward with purpose, clarity and ambition – together.
Thank you, Noel.”
Who is Next for Reading FC?
With the decision now made, the club must turn its attention to who will replace him. There are several managers that have been linked in the past including Matt Bloomfield and Couhig favourite Gareth Ainsworth, but with no clear name yet linked it will be an interesting period.