Rob Couhig drops new Reading FC manager update amid Leam Richardson links | OneFootball

Reading FC are searching for a new manager following Noel Hunt's dismissal

Rob Couhig has hinted that Reading are very close to signing on the dotted line with their next managerial appointment after Noel Hunt’s departure.

The League One side opted for a change in manager following their 1-1 draw with Doncaster Rovers at the weekend.

The draw left the Royals 19th in the third division table after 14 games, sitting just two points clear of the relegation zone.

The Berkshire outfit were hoping to compete for promotion to the Championship this campaign, having finished seventh in the standings in the previous term.

This is the first change of manager at the club under Couhig’s ownership after he took control of the team earlier this year.

Rob Couhig provides Reading manager search update

Couhig has claimed that he and co-CEO Joe Jacobson are undergoing background checks on the next manager, hinting that confirmation of an appointment is close.

The Reading owner has revealed that he and Jacobson both had the same number one recommendation for who should replace Hunt, which made the decision-making process quite easy.

“Starting to do the background [on a prospective new manager], because everybody’s got a past, you want to know about it,” said Couhig, via the Hard Truth Podcast with Darragh MacAnthony on YouTube.

“So we did that, and what I did was I went to each of the three of them and I said ‘I’ve written down my list of the top three, in order, you give me your list’.

“And the lists were identical on the number one guy, distinctly different one two and three.

“So, it made it easy from a one perspective.”

Couhig added that his decision is ultimately final, joking his three picks were the right ones, and that he’ll take full responsibility if things don’t work out: “Now here’s the surprise, my list was right on the one, two, three.

“It’s not a democracy, as we know, because I’m responsible and I take the blame, and if they do great it’s not because of me, it’s because of the team they put together.

“If they do badly, it’s because I’ve selected the wrong guy.”

It has been reported that former Wigan Athletic manager Leam Richardson is the leading contender to take on the role of replacing Hunt.

The 45-year-old has been out of work since 2024 following the end of his brief stint at Rotherham United, in which he lasted just 24 games.

If he is appointed this week, then his first game in charge of Reading could come this weekend with the side’s first round FA Cup clash against Carlisle.

The two sides will meet at the Madejski Stadium on 1 November in a 3pm kick-off, before their next league game on the following Thursday against Stevenage.

Rob Couhig needs a good first impression with Reading supporters

Couhig’s start to life at Reading isn’t going to plan, even if there will be some natural goodwill just for saving the club from their previous owner Dai Yongge.

Sticking with Hunt in the summer made total sense given their seventh place finish, even if a new owner will always be tempted to install their own man.

But their poor start to the season has now led to a change, and this is the first big decision of his tenure with the Berkshire outfit, so there will be some pressure to get it right.

Richardson’s recent record is underwhelming, but he does have a history of gaining promotion to the Championship from his time at Wigan, so he could yet prove a success.