Former Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman is under consideration for the assistant manager’s role at Reading FC as Leam Richardson searches for a new number two.
The Royals are searching for a new assistant ahead of the new campaign following the news that Rob Kelly has left Leam Richardson’s staff for personal reasons.
According to The Reading Chronicle, Coleman is high up on Reading’s shortlist and is being considered to replace the vacant position left by Kelly.
Coleman started his managerial career almost three decades ago and has managed at Accrington Stanley, Rochdale, Southport, Sligo Rovers and Gillingham amongst others.
He was most recently at the helm of National League side Aldershot Town, but left after just five months. The Shots finished in 20th position in the National League in the 2025/26 campaign.
His longest and most successful spells both came with Accrington Stanley. His first stint in charge saw him manage the club from 1999-2012 where he won three promotions.
He returned to Stanley in2014 after spells with Rochdale, Southport and Sligo Rovers. He spent another decade with Accrington and won the League Two title in the 2017/18 as they reached the third tier for the first time in the club’s history.
Coleman was sacked by Accrington in March 2024 with the team in 16th position in League Two which brought an end to his time at the club after 1,098 matches in the hotseat.
