Ruben Selles, Reading FC’s manager, is close to joining Hull City. Following Tim Walter’s dismissal last month, the former Southampton manager appears to be the most likely candidate to succeed him.
The Royals have had a successful start to the League One season.
The embattled club advanced to the play-offs after a 3-0 victory over Cambridge United on Tuesday evening. Reading may face local rivals Wycombe Wanderers without a manager in their next Berkshire and Buckinghamshire clash on Saturday.
According to recent rumors, manager Selles has been granted permission to talk with Hull City about the vacant managing position.The Tigers parted ways with Walter last month after a disappointing start to the season.
| Ruben Selles Reading record (PlaymakerStats) | ||||||
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Win percentage | Goals scored | Goals conceded |
| 78 | 34 | 18 | 26 | 44% | 142 | 110 |
Reading will receive compensation if Selles departs.
However, given their current financial situation, the Ding is unlikely to draw some of the market’s biggest names.
So, here are three viable choices for Reading’s Selles successor.
John O’Shea
Current club – Ireland (Assistant coach)
John O’Shea is right at the start of his coaching career.
Since retiring from football, the former Manchester United defender has worked his way up through the ranks of the Irish national team.
In early 2024, the former defender took over as manager of Ireland’s men’s squad, his lone interim role in senior football. O’Shea has extensive coaching experience, including working under Wayne Rooney at Birmingham City.
The 43-year-old retired in 2019 while playing for Reading, so the club and O’Shea have a history.
Similarly to Selles, the Irishman is a youthful, intriguing option who has the potential to be a big coup.
The Manchester United icon will be looking for his first management job, and what better place to start than with his former employer?
It may be difficult to persuade O’Shea to leave his current position as assistant coach for Ireland, considering he was only appointed in August.
Steven Schumacher
Last club – Stoke City
This is undoubtedly a lofty goal, as despite Reading’s league position, the club’s ongoing ownership issues may deter many prospects.
It would also depend on the magnitude of the compensation package Hull must pay to entice Selles away.
In September, Stoke City fired Steven Schumacher, who had previously left Plymouth Argyle.
The 40-year-old is still unemployed, which is shocking given his credentials. Schumacher succeeded Ryan Lowe as manager of Plymouth, leading the team to League One title in 2023 and winning manager of the year.
The former Stoke manager is a proven winner at the level and would be a huge coup for the Royals if they could persuade him to join.
While a title challenge is unlikely for Reading, Schumacher would be an excellent candidate for a long-term project.
Recent reports say Rooney is struggling to keep his job, so the free-agent manager may be optimistic about his chances of returning to Home Park. Schumacher is a less likely but very fascinating candidate.
Brian Barry-Murphy
Last club – Manchester City EDS
Brian Barry-Murphy is another interesting contender to explore. After two years in Rochdale, the former midfielder became the manager of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad.
Barry-Murphy left the English champions in July 2024, following three successful seasons in command. Despite this, nobody has decided to take a chance on the highly regarded manager, which is surprising. However, Reading might be the club to bring the 46-year-old back into senior management.
Barry-Murphy has more than proven himself deserving of an EFL post following his remarkable spell cultivating the next generation of young Manchester City talents. While his stint at Rochdale was not very impressive, the Royals should consider the achievement he brought to one of the world’s most prominent academies.
Reading might also gain much from the link with the citizens.
After seen Barry-Murphy’s ability to nurture young players firsthand, City may be tempted to allow the Royals take one or two of its prospects on loan.
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