Rob Couhig has confirmed why Reading FC appointed Leam Richardson.

Reading chairman Rob Couhig has confirmed that Leam Richardson’s extensive experience in League One is one of the primary reasons he has been hired as the club’s new manager.

Reading parted ways with Noel Hunt on Sunday after less than a year in charge, with the Irishman leaving the club in 19th place in the table, only two points above the relegation zone.

Shortly after Hunt’s departure was confirmed, FLW reported that former Luton Town manager Matt Bloomfield, who previously worked with Couhig at Wycombe Wanderers, was the Royals’ top managerial target, but as we exclusively revealed on Monday, the 41-year-old had been ruled out of the running to take over at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

With Bloomfield no longer in the running, Richardson rapidly emerged as the main candidate for the Reading job, and he has now been officially named Hunt’s replacement, signing a contract that will keep him in Berkshire until the summer of 2027.

After starting his managerial career with Accrington Stanley, Richardson rose to prominence after taking over at Wigan Athletic in November 2020, first keeping the Latics in League One before leading them to the title the following year, earning him the title of Manager of the Season.

Richardson’s most recent managerial position was with Rotherham United, but it is fair to say that his tenure at the New York Stadium did not go as planned. After winning only two of his 24 games in charge, drawing four and losing 18, he was fired by the Millers in April 2024, just weeks after their relegation from the Championship was confirmed.

Rob Couhig responds as Reading appoint Liam Richardson as Noel Hunt’s replacement.

Richardson is Couhig’s first managerial selection since taking over Reading earlier this year, and in addition to citing his strong League One record, the American believes the 45-year-old possesses all of the characteristics needed to lead the club forward.

“I’ve admired Leam for quite some time. He is a coach and leader who exemplifies the traits we seek at Reading Football Club, including hard work, diligence, organisation, and an unwavering commitment to player development,” Couhig said in a statement posted on the club’s official website.

“He achieved promotion from League One under extremely difficult circumstances, demonstrating his ability to build success.” He is humble, driven, and creates strong, honest cultures, which I know Royals fans appreciate and respect.

“Leam understands this division, what a winning dressing room looks like, and the requirements that must be met in order to achieve it. He is hungry, ambitious, and driven to propel this football team ahead. “We are delighted to welcome him to Reading.”

Richardson will be supported by Danny Schofield and James Beattie at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, and he will lead the Royals for the first time in the FA Cup first round on Saturday against National League side Carlisle United.

Reading have taken a major chance with the appointment of Leam Richardson after his tenure at Rotherham United.

Couhig is correct that Richardson has a good record in League One, having gained promotion from the league as both an assistant and manager with Wigan, making him a potentially interesting option for Reading.

However, Richardson’s title-winning success with the Latics was over three years ago, and he failed to recreate that level of success in his second management post with Rotherham, leaving with an 8.3% win rate.

In Richardson’s defense, keeping the Millers in the Championship was always going to be a difficult assignment given their small budget, but after a poor tenure at New York Stadium, he comes to the Select Car Leasing Stadium with a point to prove.