Former Reading favourite takes up chief role in Championship Academy set-up

Former Reading favourite Chris Casper has been appointed Academy Manager at his hometown club, Burnley.

A Manchester United youngster, Casper impressed while on loan with the Royals in 1998 and re-joined permanently for £300,000.

Becoming a firm favourite amongst supporters, the defender broke his leg at Cardiff City on Boxing Day 1999 and was forced to retire aged just 24.

The former England Under-21 international had short spells in management but was Director of Football at Salford City until this year, working alongside the likes of Gary Neville, Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs.

The 49-year-old grew up a Burnley fan due to his dad's long association with the Clarets as both player and manager.

“It feels amazing," Casper told the club website. "It’s a privilege to be here. It’s my hometown club, I grew up in the town and to be part of the club now is absolutely fantastic.”

“It’s maybe fate to follow in the footsteps of my dad and my son as well. It feels surreal to be here but it’s genuinely a dream come true.”

Burnley, whose first-team are riding high at the top-end of the Championship, are aiming to return to Category One Academy status, something they lost in 2022.pa