A new, more unexpected option has emerged to take over at Reading following Noel Hunt’s sacking.
Rob Couhig opted to act this weekend as the Royals slip into the relegation battle, and despite picking up a draw at home to Doncaster Rovers, it was not enough for Hunt to save his job 10 months after his appointment. Reading sit 2 points above the bottom 4 after 14 matches, and will have a brief reprieve from League One action with the FA Cup first round on the horizon.
Is Richardson The One?
Reports have linked many potential managers to the vacancy in Berkshire, with Gareth Ainsworth being tipped as a leading option to take over. Those links make sense given his past association with owner Couhig at Wycombe Wanderers, and the Gillingham boss has spoken about the potential to move to Reading. However, he dismissed the reports which have circulated over the past week.
Now, in a new report from Pete O’Rourke and Football Insider, a new name has emerged in Leam Richardson, who has been out of work for over a year. Best known for his work at Wigan Athletic, the 45-year-old righted the ship in Lancashire amid administration, leading them to the League One title in 2022.
However, Richardson has not been in the hot seat since April of last year, when he parted ways with Rotherham United amid their struggles to survive in the Championship. He has been in contention for other roles this season, with reports linking him with the vacancy at Blackpool which has since been filled by former Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt.
What Can He Bring?
Leam Richardson has been out of the game for a while, but his track record in League One is a good sign of where Reading want to be right now. He was a big part of Wigan’s turnaround after financial struggles, pushing them to the League One title and winning manager of the season in the process.
He has not fared well at the level above, being sacked by the Latics following 6 losses in 7 and was later sacked by Rotherham while in a similar position at the bottom of the Championship. But right now, Reading’s concerns are to build upon the platform left by Ruben Selles and push for promotion consistently.
