Reading Football Club has announced that Noel Hunt has accepted to become the new Men’s First Team Manager.
The Irishman leaves his job as Under 21 Manager to sign a deal until June 2027, and he trained on Friday before leading the senior team in Saturday’s Sky Bet League One match against Wycombe Wanderers.
Noel’s affiliation with Reading FC began in 2008, when he signed as a player to join Steve Coppell’s team. He would wear the hoops for five seasons and play a key role in his team’s Championship-winning campaign in 2011/12.
During his early coaching career, he served as Assistant Manager at Swindon Town and Doncaster Rovers before returning to Reading as Under 21 Manager in 2022.
Under his leadership, the youthful Royals reached the semi-finals of the Premier League 2 play-offs in 2023/24, qualifying for the Premier League International Cup this season.
Hunt took on the post of Interim First Team Manager in April 2023, taking charge of the Royals’ last five .
His hiring was announced when Ruben Selles left the club to join Hull City.
On Friday night, the club released a thank-you statement.
“Reading Football Club can confirm that First Team Manager Rubén Sellés has decided to leave the club with immediate effect to pursue a new opportunity at Hull City.”
“Earlier this week, the Tigers approached the club, requesting permission to talk with Rubén and activate the release provisions in his contract. Rubén took the difficult decision to accept the offer after careful consideration and discussion.
“Toby Loveland and James Oliver-Pearce will go to join Rubén.
“Since joining Reading in July 2023, Rubén’s passion, leadership, and commitment to the club and its supporters have been clear. Rubén, Toby, and James leave with our greatest gratitude for their devotion and professionalism during their stay here. We wish them nothing but success as they begin this new chapter in their careers.
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