Waterford's Noel Hunt is the new manager of EFL League one side and former Premier League club Reading.
Hunt has signed a two-and-a-half year deal, being promoted from the club's underage set up after manager Ruben Selles left for Hull City.
In a statement, Reading said:
"The club has always believed that Noel has all of the credentials to succeed in management, and is widely regarded as one the most exciting young coaches in the country. He has built an unrivalled reputation for developing some of our most exciting young talent, and has the full backing of everybody at the club.
Noel’s association with Reading FC began in 2008 when he signed as a player to link up with Steve Coppell’s team. He would wear the hoops for a total of five seasons and play an integral part in his side’s Championship winning campaign of 2011/12.
His early years as a coach saw him become Assistant Manager at both Swindon Town and Doncaster Rovers, before returning to Reading in 2022 as Under 21 Manager.
Under his stewardship, our young Royals reached the semi-final of the Premier League 2 play-offs in 2023/24, an achievement that also saw them qualify for the Premier League International Cup this term.
Hunt took on the role of Interim First Team Manager in April 2023, taking charge of the Royals’ final five fixtures of the Sky Bet Championship campaign.
Noel’s coaching team will be confirmed in due course."
Reading are sixth in the league table and Hunt will take charge for today's fixture against Wycombe Wanderers.
The 41-year-old represented ten clubs across the course of his playing career including his native Waterford FC - with his most successful periods coming at Reading and Scottish side Dundee United.
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