Former Reading FC striker Noel Hunt has returned to the club to take up a managerial role with the under 23’s team.
Hunt joined up with the squad at Bearwood Park to take training on Sunday morning as he embarked on his first day as the new ‘Senior Professional Development Coach’.
Academy manager Michael Gilkes said: “Noel was a great player for this club, possessing all the attributes we want to instill in our young players within the Academy.
“He is an exemplary role model for our aspiring youngsters, a coach of the highest calibre and, put simply, a fantastic character to welcome back to our club.”
Hunt became a fans favorite during his five-year spell as a player with Reading.
He netted 33 league goals in 145 games for the Berkshire club and became renowned for his superb work ethic up top.
He also played a vital role in Brian McDermott’s Championship-winning side in 2011/12 that won promotion back to the Premier League. He played 41 times in that campaign, scoring eight times.
The 39-year-old former Republic of Ireland international started his coaching career in 2018 when he was appointed at assistant manager at Swindon Town.
He took caretaker charge at the Robins in December 2020 after Richie Wellens left the club.
Hunt then joined up with Wellens again in May 2021 as part of his coaching team at Doncaster Rovers.
