Exclusive: Reading FC make U-turn on Matt Bloomfield as new manager search update emerges | OneFootball

Reading have made a sudden U-turn in their pursuit of Matt Bloomfield as a successor to Noel Hunt, Football League World understands

League One side Reading have made a sudden U-turn on their decision to appoint ex-Luton Town boss Matt Bloomfield in the wake of Noel Hunt's sacking at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, Football League World can exclusively reveal.

The Royals have struggled thus far in the 2025/26 campaign, failing to kick on following last season's narrow miss on a top-six spot and the subsequent, long-awaited sale of the club from Dai Yongge.

Now under the ownership of Rob Couhig, Reading would have expected to remain competitive but find themselves positioned in the lower reaches of the third-tier table, just two points above 21st-placed Port Vale, having won just three of their fourteen matches this season.

Hunt, who was appointed back in December to replace Ruben Selles, had been under pressure from supporters for some time, and Reading ultimately acted by dismissing the Irishman after Saturday afternoon's 1-1 draw at home to Doncaster Rovers.

The Royals intend on sparing little time in sourcing a replacement and had duly identified Bloomfield as a potential successor, although a sharp U-turn has now transpired.

Reading FC make sudden Matt Bloomfield U-turn in Noel Hunt replacement search

Just yesterday, Football League World broke the news that Bloomfield had emerged as the number one candidate to take over from Hunt in Berkshire, having recently found himself out of work after being sacked at League One rivals Luton.

Bloomfield, of course, worked under Couhig at Wycombe Wanderers before the American's sale of the club to Georgian billionaire Mikhail Lomtadze in May 2024, meaning a reunion just down the road at Reading would have made plenty of sense.

However, FLW has now been exclusively informed of a change in stance, with Bloomfield no longer in the running to succeed Hunt.

It's understood that Reading have freshly decided to cast their eyes on other targets, with one unnamed manager believed to be close in Couhig's sights.

Reading FC supporters will like urgent stance after Noel Hunt sacking

Although supporters may have wished for Hunt to be relieved of his duties much sooner, there can be no complaints regarding the urgent focus which Reading have placed on identifying and pursuing a successor.

Of course, Reading are still searching for one, but they appear intent on replacing Hunt as soon as possible, and that can only be considered a good thing.

It's important not to rush the first appointment of Couhig's reign, but Reading supporters will be much happier to see the club operating with a sense of urgency as opposed to waiting around and taking more time than necessary.

All things considered, the SLC faithful will hope and expect to see a new man at the helm in time for Reading's FA Cup first-round home fixture against National League outfit Carlisle United on the weekend.

After that, it's a sharp return to league action at home to second-placed Stevenage on November 6, with Reading sure to be intent on redeeming their ambitions of challenging for a top-six berth once Hunt's successor arrives.