'He was the man I wanted': Reading boss on return of title-winning coach to club

Reading manager Noel Hunt admitted that new coach Nigel Gibbs was his first choice when putting together this staff following his permanent appointment.

The Watford legend first arrived in Berkshire in 2006 but was made assistant manager under Brian McDermott in 2010.

Remaining alongside the iconic manager until his departure in 2013, having won the Championship in 2011/12, Gibbs returned for a second spell under Paul Clement in 2018 until 2019.

The 59-year-old spent three years with Tottenham Hotspur but returns to the SCL Stadium to work under Hunt, who was a key player during Gibbs' first spell at the club.

He joins fellow former title-winner Mikele Leigertwood as the midfielder steps up from his role in charge of the Under-18s.

Speaking on the arrival of Gibbs, Hunt commented: "Everyone knows the quality he has and the managers he has worked for so to get him in the door was really pleasing. It was my first option as the talks started to happen and he was the man I wanted. The fact we’ve got him in says a lot for him, his ties to the club and for me."

In their first home match in charge, the Royals were on the end of a 3-0 defeat to Blackpool.

However, the Irishman is convinced work on the training ground can sort out any hiccups from the weekend.

"He [Gibbs] is superb on the grass and all these little things I’ve mentioned are easily fixed, we just have to keep working hard and trust the process. It’s a big week for us and we’ll attack every day we can."

Reading travel to Lincoln City on Saturday for their final fixture before Christmas, returning to RG2 for games against Northampton Town on Boxing Day and Mansfield Town on December 29.