Reading have appointed former Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman as assistant manager to head coach Leam Richardson’s coaching staff.
Coleman replaces the experienced Rob Kelly, who left the club last month, and arrives with almost 30 years of management and coaching experience.
The 62-year-old is best known for his two spells in charge of Accrington Stanley, where he oversaw more than 1,000 matches and guided the club back into the English Football League in 2006 after three successive promotions.
Coleman has also managed Rochdale, Sligo Rovers, Waterford and, most recently, Aldershot Town, where Reading striker Sean Patton enjoyed a successful loan spell last season.
Speaking after his appointment, Coleman said: “I am delighted to be here. It is a huge honour to work at such a historic club and link up with such an experienced coaching set-up.
“I have managed more than 1,200 matches across almost 30 years, winning multiple promotions and bring vast experience on and off the field. I am aiming to bring a winning edge to the football club, and I can’t wait to get started.
“Leam has done superbly as a coach and manager, and I am looking forward to working alongside him and the rest of the staff to take this club back to where it belongs.”
Richardson said replacing the experience lost with Kelly’s departure had been a priority.
“John’s record speaks for itself, having managed more than 1,000 matches and worked up and down the pyramid for the best part of three decades,” he said.
“It was vital that we replaced Rob Kelly’s experience, and I am delighted we have managed to bring someone of John’s calibre to Reading Football Club.
“I know John will bring so much to Reading Football Club – both on and off the pitch – and we all cannot wait to get started.”
Coleman previously worked with Richardson during the latter’s playing career at Accrington, where the Reading boss made more than 150 appearances between 2005 and 2013 before later taking over as manager following Coleman’s departure.
