Five weeks ago STAR called for those in charge of the club to do something dramatic or significant to stop what we feared was a drift to relegation.
We are pleased, indeed surprised, therefore to see so much action taken in the past few days. Doubtless other factors than our statement came into play! We welcome Nigel Howe’s return as CEO and note with interest and approval that the next managerial appointment should “fit the Reading mould”. There has been some dislocation in the last couple of years with the club trying to be something that doesn’t match the identity that its supporters recognise. Let’s hope, in the words of that blunt chant, “we get our Reading back”.
Paul Clement came in at the end of last season with a very difficult brief and just managed to keep us in the Championship. He came across as a decent, open and hard-working man and we have some sympathy that it didn’t work out for him here.
It appears that the owners are taking a slightly more upfront role, which is good, and that the changes of CEO and manager represent a major shake-up at the club, which is needed. Onwards and upwards – URZ!