Waterford's Noel Hunt takes on first team management role

Waterford native Noel Hunt has replaced Paul Ince as Reading's boss until the end of the season.

The Royals parted ways with Ince after yesterday's 2-1 loss against Preston in the English Championship which leaves the club lingering in 22nd position on the league table.

Hunt, who is a former Reading player and has been in charge of the club's under-21 side, will be assisted by Director of Player Development Eddie Niedzwiecki and First Team Coach James Oliver-Pearce.

The 40-year-old will be on the line for Reading's home clash against league leaders Burnley this Saturday, April 15.

CLUB STATEMENT | Reading Football Club can confirm that the contract of first team manager Paul Ince has been terminated with immediate effect.

Under-21s Manager and former Royals striker, Noel Hunt, has been installed as Interim First Team Manager until the end of the season.

— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) April 11, 2023

Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, told Reading's club website: "I would like to thank Paul and Alex for their efforts throughout what has admittedly been a frustrating and exceptionally challenging season so far. We would like to wish them well in their future endeavours.

"The board will work diligently to identify the manager who is the best fit for this football club going forward - a candidate capable of driving it towards a healthier, brighter future.

"However, for the next five games, our only focus is on doing everything we can to survive this season. Put simply, that means everyone – from myself, to the staff, to the supporters - lending all their support to Noel, Eddie, James and the first team players as we go into five crucially important games at the end of our 2022-23 campaign."

Hunt made three appearances for the Republic of Ireland during his senior playing career and is the brother of fellow former international Stephen Hunt.