Liam Richardson: Reading have been appointed as manager by the League One club

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

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

Richardson was most recently at Rotherham United, having previously managed Wigan Athletic between 2020 and 2022, a period in which they won their first league title.

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

“I’ve 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, organization and absolute commitment to improving players.

“He achieved promotion from League One in extremely difficult circumstances and has proven he can build success, he is humble, driven and builds strong, honest cultures – something I know Royals fans appreciate and respect.

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

Richardson will also be joined by Danny Schofield and former Southampton striker James Beattie.

Richardson was removed from his position at Wigan in 2022 after a poor start to the Championship season and was 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 to Paul Cook at Portsmouth, Chesterfield and Accrington Stanley where he moved from player to coach.

Richardson’s football career began at Blackburn Rovers before making over 100 appearances for Accrington and playing for Blackpool 84 times.