Reading appoint Steve Clarke as their new manager

Reading, 33/1 for a top six finish this term, have appointed Steve Clarke as their next manager after moving swiftly to replace Nigel Adkins.

Club co-chairman Sir John Madejski was delighted with the appointment: “I would like to wholeheartedly welcome Steve to Reading Football Club and wish him every success here. He comes with a CV of the very highest order and I look forward to moving back up the table with him in charge.

“It has been a difficult period for all concerned, but now we can look forwards. Nigel Adkins worked tirelessly to achieve success, sadly it did not work out for him but we wish him, his family and staff well for the future. Now we look forward to a new era under Steve’s stewardship and I for one am excited about this new beginning.”

Co-chairwoman Lady Sasima Srivikorn followed: “We have appointed Steve because of his proven history as a manager and coach. We have chosen a leader who can develop our players and help them perform to the best of their ability.

“We will monitor the transfer market in the next window, but within the limits of Financial Fair Play, so therefore Steve has the right attributes to help our squad and he was our first choice. We look forward to moving up the league and the board share the view that we have found the right man in Steve.”

Meanwhile chief executive Nigel Howe continued in the delight, saying: “Steve joins us with an excellent track record, and having spoken to a number of people who have worked with him, his reputation is of the very highest calibre. I believe he will be an excellent fit here at Reading, I look forward to helping him succeed and we wish him the very best of luck.”

Clarke has worked with a number top players including Luis Suarez, Didier Drogba, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, as well as developing young talent such as Saido Berahino, Raheem Sterling, Romelu Lukaku, Jordan Henderson, Shane Long and Mark Noble.