Reading are close to sacking manager Noel Hunt following a poor start to the season, according to Football League World.
The 42-year-old landed his first managerial role last December when he was promoted to the position following Ruben Selles’ decision to depart for Hull City. He enjoyed an excellent second half of the season and only missed out on an unlikely place in the play-offs on the final day.
As such, expectation was high this season. However, the Royals started dreadfully, losing against Lincoln City, Huddersfield Town and AFC Wimbledon before picking up a first point in a 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers. Although they’ve lost just once since the beginning of September, they travel to Exeter tomorrow on the back of successive draws. They currently sit 19th in League One, just a single point above the relegation places.
Hunt On The Brink
Hunt has been a mainstay on and off at Reading for many years, having also represented the club as a player between 2008 and 2013. This included a stint in the Premier League, so it was no surprise to see him return to the Select Car Leasing Stadium in 2022 in a coaching capacity.
It appears as if his time in Berkshire is coming to an end though, with it claimed that defeat this weekend could see him cast aside. The report states that new owner Rob Couhig is currently drawing up a list of potential replacements having been less than impressed with performances so far this season.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨
Reading FC manager Noel Hunt is on the verge of being sacked by the Royals hierarchy, Football League World understands ❌
More here 👇 https://t.co/ptWhQDbGz5#ReadingFC
— Football League World (@FootballLeagueW) October 10, 2025
Victory at Exeter may prolong his stay in the dugout but with a trip to high-flying Cardiff City on the horizon, the writing could already be on the wall.
Writer’s View
This has been an underwhelming season thus far for Reading, who were full of optimism after finally getting rid of Dai Yongge. It was hoped that Noel Hunt could push on now that the shackles from the previous ownership had been removed, especially after narrowly missing out on a place in the play-offs last season. However, it now appears that a relegation battle is far more likely than a potential promotion push.
It will be interesting to see who Reading will target should they opt to make a change. Former boss Ruben Selles is currently available after his disastrous spell with Sheffield United and it is thought that the Spaniard may have to consider dropping back down to League One to rebuild his reputation. Could he be an option for the new owner?
