Reading appoint Coleman as assistant manager

Reading have appointed former Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman as their new assistant manager to head coach Leam Richardson.

The 63-year-old replaces Rob Kelly, who left the club this week due to personal reasons.

Coleman has managed in the English Football League and non-league football for almost 30 years, including 23 years, across two spells, at Stanley.

He led Accrington into the EFL in 2006 after three successive promotions and has also had managerial spells with Gillingham and Rochdale, as well as being in charge of National League side Aldershot Town in 2025-26.

Royals boss Richardson made more than 150 Accrington appearances as a player under Coleman and succeeded him as Stanley boss in 2012.

Coleman told the Reading website, external: "It is a huge honour to work at such a historic club and link up with such an experienced coaching set-up.

"I have managed more than 1,200 matches across almost 30 years, winning multiple promotions and bring vast experience on and off the field. I am aiming to bring a winning edge to the football club, and I can't wait to get started."

Speaking about his former manager, Richardson added: "John's record speaks for itself. It was vital we replaced Rob Kelly's experience and I am delighted we have managed to bring someone of John's calibre to Reading."