Leam Richardson: Reading appointed manager by League One club

Reading have appointed Leam Richardson as their new manager following the departure of former boss Noel Hunt last weekend.

The 45-year-old has signed a one-and-a-half-year deal at the Select Car Leasing Stadium through until the summer of 2027.

Richardson was most recently at Rotherham United, having previously managed Wigan Athletic between 2020 and 2022, during which time they won the League One title.

Hunt's contract was terminated by Reading on Sunday after a poor start to the season which had left the Royals 19th in the League One table.

"I have admired Leam for some time," Royals owner Rob Couhig said. , external

"He is a coach and leader who embodies exactly the qualities we want at Reading - hard work, diligence, organisation and an absolute commitment to improving players.

"He achieved promotion from League One in extremely difficult circumstances and proved he can build success, he is humble, driven, and he builds strong, honest cultures - something I know Royals fans value and respect.

"Leam knows this division, he knows what a winning dressing room looks like and he understands the standards required to get there. He is hungry, ambitious and determined to move this football club forward. We are delighted to welcome him to Reading."

Also joining Richardson will be Danny Schofield and former Southampton striker James Beattie.

Richardson was removed from his position at Wigan in 2022 following a poor start to the Championship season and was more recently sacked by the Millers in the wake of their relegation from the Championship in April 2024.

Prior to his time at the two clubs, the former defender was assistant boss to Paul Cook at Portsmouth, Chesterfield and Accrington Stanley where he transitioned from a player to a coach.

Richardson's playing career began at Blackburn Rovers before he made more than 100 appearances for Accrington and played for Blackpool 84 times.

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