New manager is confirmed

Reading Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Steve Clarke as our new manager on a two-and-a-half year contract.Steve was our first choice candidate for the manager’s role. He has a hugely impressive CV that covers all aspects of the game in a career that has taken in more than 1000 matches on and off the pitch: he managed West Bromwich Albion to their highest-ever Premier League points total, he was assistant manager to Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, helping win two Premier Leagues, both domestic cups and reaching the final of the Champions League. He won the Championship, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, FA Cup and international recognition as a player, and crucially has a proven track record of success in Academy football.Steve said, “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Reading Football Club and I look forward to helping the club move in the right direction. A big part of the work ahead is on the training ground and I look forward to meeting the players and getting onto the grass with them. There is real potential here and hopefully exciting times ahead for the supporters.”Co-Chairman Sir John Madejski said, “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 said, “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.”Chief Executive Nigel Howe said, “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.”Steve has worked with some of the best in English football, including Luis Suarez, Didier Drogba, Jose Mourinho, Steven Gerrard, Gianfranco Zola, Frank Lampard, Ruud Gullit and Kenny Dalglish, as well as helping develop exceptional young talent like Saido Berahino, Raheem Sterling, Romelu Lukaku, Jordan Henderson, Shane Long, Mark Noble and many more.The 51-year-old will be in charge for this Saturday’s game at home to Watford, and he will hold further discussions with the club about additions to his coaching staff.Everyone at the club wishes him well for the future.