New Reading FC manager Leam Richardson has spoken ahead of his first game in charge of the Royals on Saturday.
Richardson’s appointment as new boss, taking over from Noel Hunt, was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon.
The former Wigan Athletic boss takes over with Reading currently just above the relegation places in League One in 19th position.
Speaking to Royals TV, Richardson said: “I’m a person that holds strong values; honesty, integrity. I’ve got a relentless work ethic.
“These fans have been through things that no fan should go through at a football club. I’ve been through it myself, but the way they’ve stuck with the football club and to grow with this new ownership and the structure that’s been put in place, there’s only one way to go and that’s forward.
“I’ve been promoted as champions out of this division twice coaching, and been in a play-off as well so it’s a level I know well and know the commitment you need to give.
“We’re here to help enhance the work that has gone before from Noel and his team and to help the ownership bring the football club forward.
He also outlined his philosophy as a coach and the type of football that he likes his teams to play.
He continued: “My philosophy is winning football. I think you have to win football to build any culture and philosophy. In this game you don’t get a minute and I’m sure the 1871 fans will be making that clear.
“Front foot, aggressive, high press, I want to dominate and control games. These fans have seen all sorts of ups and downs over the past few years – you want to have a smile on your face, get excited, see goal mouth action, you want that feeling.
“I started very young as a coach, I’ve been doing it 15 years and have been at different clubs, different environments. I felt some time out to reflect on what does work and what doesn’t work, how you can be the best version of yourself and be successful. I’ve been around abroad to different clubs and also in England, so it’s been about educating yourself.”
Richardson also spoke about his backroom staff which includes former England international James Beattie.
He said: “James Beattie I’ve worked with before. Firstly, he’s an excellent human being and he understands football, He played at the top level and for England. Everywhere he has been with offensive players he’s worked very well with them and got good numbers out of them. With the young group here and the senior players it will be fantastic for them.”
