Tuesday 16 December 2014 19:33, UK
Steve Clarke has been appointed Reading's new manager on a two-and-a-half year contract.
Clarke succeeds Nigel Adkins, who was sacked on Monday in the wake of a 6-1 defeat to Birmingham at the weekend.
Twelve months ago Clarke was axed by West Brom, who remain the only Premier League club the Scot has taken charge of on a full-time basis, but he has now returned to management in the second tier after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Royals.
The Scot, who has also enjoyed spells as assistant boss at Newcastle, Chelsea, West Ham and Liverpool, takes over a side who are 16th in the table.
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Reading Football Club and I look forward to helping the club move in the right direction," said Clarke.
"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.”
Royals 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.”
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.
