Exclusive: Reading plotting move for ex-Luton Town boss to replace Noel Hunt | OneFootball

Matt Bloomfield is Rob Couhig's first-choice to succeed Noel Hunt in the SCL Stadium dugout

Hunt took over as Reading manager in December following Ruben Selles' move to Hull City, and despite working in incredibly difficult circumstances under former owner Dai Yongge, he led his side to a seventh-placed finish in League One last season.

After Rob Couhig completed his takeover in May, the Royals would have been hoping to mount another promotion challenge under Hunt's guidance this season, particularly after the arrival of 12 new signings this summer, but it did not work out that way.

Reading made a nightmare start to the season as they lost their first three league games, and while their form has improved slightly since then, victories have been few and far between, which resulted in some sections of the fan base calling for Hunt's departure.

After a run of just three wins from their first 14 games of the season left the Royals sitting 19th in the table, only two points above the relegation zone, Hunt was sacked on Sunday afternoon, with the 1-1 draw at home to out-of-form Doncaster Rovers on Saturday proving to be his final in charge of the club.

Couhig admitted that Hunt's exit is a "difficult day" for everyone connected to Reading, but he insisted that while the decision was "not an easy one", it was a "necessary one", and he has wasted no time in lining up a replacement for the Irishman.

Matt Bloomfield wanted at Reading FC to replace Noel Hunt as manager

Hunt may only have just departed, but Reading are already honing in on his replacement, with sources informing FLW that former Luton manager Bloomfield is the club's number one target to take over at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Bloomfield has only been out of work for just under three weeks since being dismissed by the Hatters after just 11 league games of the season with his side sitting 11th in the League One table.

The 41-year-old had been in charge at Kenilworth Road since January, and after failing to keep Luton in the Championship last season, and inconsistent start to the new campaign in the third tier saw his tenure come to an end after less than 10 months.

However, prior to taking charge of the Hatters, Bloomfield spent almost two years in charge of Wycombe Wanderers, and the Chairboys were second in League One at the time of his exit earlier this year, while he also had a brief spell at the helm of League Two side Colchester United in his managerial career.

Couhig was the owner of Wycombe when Bloomfield returned to Adams Park as manager in February 2023, and the pair are now set to reunite at Reading as the Berkshire outfit prepare to make a swift appointment following Hunt's departure.

Matt Bloomfield could be an exciting choice for Reading as Rob Couhig reunion looms

While Luton's form was in decline after a strong start to the season, Bloomfield was arguably unlucky to lose his job at Kenilworth Road earlier this month with his side still firmly in touch with the play-off places, and he certainly deserves another opportunity in League One.

It was not long ago that Bloomfield was regarded as one of the most highly-rated managers in the EFL when Wycombe were flying high at the top of the table last season, and while he will inherit a Reading squad low on confidence after an underwhelming start to the campaign, he could be the perfect choice to get the club moving in the right direction.

Having worked under Couhig at Wycombe as both a player and manager, Bloomfield clearly has a close relationship with the American, and he will be hoping their reunion can reignite his managerial career after his frustrating spell at Luton.