Mark Bowen has agreed a deal with Reading to become the Championship club's new head coach. Bowen will be confirmed as Reading's replacement for Jose Gomes in the next few days after terms were sorted on Sunday night.

The former Wales international had been working as the club's sporting director but will now be moving into the dug-out for the first time as a No.1, signing a deal until the end of the season.

Reading see him as an experienced, steady hand and will install Eddie Niedzwiecki as his No. 2.

Bowen has established a reputation as an assistant manager, working alongside Mark Hughes at a number of clubs including Manchester City, Stoke, QPR and Fulham.

But now he will take charge of a team permanently for the first time, with his first Championship game at home against Preston this weekend.

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The 55 year old succeeds Gomes, who was sacked last week after a run of five defeats in the last six games.

Reading are currently 22nd in the division, with three more points than bottom club Stoke.