Manager Hunt sacked by Reading

Noel Hunt played for Leeds, Ipswich, Southend, Portsmouth, Wigan and Waterford after leaving Reading in 2013

League One club Reading have sacked manager Noel Hunt.

The Royals are 19th in the table, with just three wins from 14 games this season, and are just two points above the relegation zone following Saturday's home draw with Doncaster Rovers.

The 42-year-old was appointed in December 2024 after Ruben Selles left for Hull.

Hunt signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and had previously had a stint as caretaker boss at the club following the sacking of Paul Ince in April 2023.

Hunt made 162 appearances during a five-year spell at Reading as a player, scoring 39 goals, and was a popular figure among fans.

Chairman Rob Couhig said in a statement on the club website that it had been a "difficult" decision to part with Hunt but "results have not reached the level required".

The statement added: "Noel Hunt is far more than just a former manager of this football club – he is part of the fabric of Reading FC.

"As a player, he fought for this badge. As a coach in our academy, he helped shape the next generation of Royals.

"As first-team manager, he stepped up in very challenging circumstances and gave everything for the club.

"Noel has conducted himself with integrity, hard work and total commitment. He cares deeply about Reading Football Club and he leaves with his head held high."

Bloomfield or Ainsworth next? - analysis

Tim Dellor, BBC Berkshire

Seeing good people sacked is never nice, particularly those who are as loyal, hard-working and likeable as Noel Hunt.

During 2024 he stepped up when the club was on its knees, not just in taking over as manager when Ruben Selles walked out, but before that getting a string of young academy players ready to step into first-team football. Those players were thrown in at a time the club was banned from bringing new players in via the transfer market, and all of them stayed afloat.

Often the arrival of a new owner marks the beginning of the end for a manager at any club. Rob Couhig made all the right noises in support of Hunt, but after just 14 games he pulled the trigger.

Some fans will point to 19th place, and only 15 points from 14 games, as justification for the sacking. Others will highlight the fact Reading have only lost two games in 11, a stretch running back to mid-August, and a squad depleted of four of their best players (Harvey Knibbs, Sam Smith, Amadou Mbengue and Tyler Bindon). The injury-ravaged squad couldn't really be expected to deliver much more.

Most of the new players who arrived in the summer have either disappointed with their performances or been out injured. The recruitment has been questionable, and some fans are disappointed there has not been more serious activity in the transfer market.

Every Reading fan will be wishing the new manager well. With the owner, the chief executive, captain, and several staff all ex-Wycombe Wanderers people, perhaps it's no surprise Gareth Ainsworth and Matt Bloomfield are the bookies' favourites to take over.

If either of them end up in charge, it might be best just to rebrand the club Reading Wanderers and move the whole shooting match back to Adams Park.