Reading FC boss on return of title-winning coach to club

When assembling this team after his permanent appointment, Reading manager Noel Hunt acknowledged that Nigel

Gibbs, the new coach, was his first pick.

The legendary Watford player first came to Berkshire in 2006, but in 2010 he was promoted to assistant manager

under Brian McDermott.

After winning the Championship in 2011–12, Gibbs stayed with the legendary manager until his retirement in 2013.

He then rejoined Paul Clement for a second stint from 2018 to 2019.

After three years at Tottenham Hotspur, the 59-year-old is back at the SCL Stadium to work for Hunt, a vital

member of the team during Gibbs’ initial tenure.

He joins fellow former title-winner Mikele Leigertwood as the midfielder steps up from his role in charge of the

Under-18s.

Speaking on the arrival of Gibbs, Hunt commented: “Everyone knows the quality he has and the managers he has

worked for so to get him in the door was really pleasing. It was my first option as the talks started to happen and he

was the man I wanted. The fact we’ve got him in says a lot for him, his ties to the club and for me.”

In their first home match in charge, the Royals were on the end of a 3-0 defeat to Blackpool.

The Irishman is certain that any issues from the weekend can be resolved with work on the training pitch, though.

“He [Gibbs] is excellent on the grass, and all of the minor issues I brought up can be resolved with continued effort

and faith in the process. We’ll attack every day we can since this is a big week for us.”

For their last game before Christmas, Reading will travel to Lincoln City on Saturday. On Boxing Day, they will

return to RG2 to play Northampton Town, and on December 29, they will play Mansfield Town.