Reading appoint Paul Clement as new manager

Reading have moved swiftly to replace Jaap Stam by appointing former Swansea boss Paul Clement as their new manager.

The 46-year-old has been out of work since leaving Swansea in December 2017. Clement was in charge of the Swans for just under a year and achieved success in his first season at the Liberty Stadium, guiding the Welsh club to Premier League safety. However, after a difficult start to his second season in charge,The Wandsworth-born coach was sacked just before Christmas with Swansea sitting bottom of the Premier League table, four points adrift of safety. His other experience in management came during a seven month spell in charge of Championship club Derby County, where he was controversially relieved of his duties, leaving the Rams in fifth position in mid February.

Clement has gained experience coaching in numerous European leagues as assistant to Carlo Ancelotti, which has seen him work at Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. During these spells Clement has helped win an impressive collection of silverware including,  the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA World Club Championship as well as league titles in France, Spain and Germany.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Reading Chief Executive Ron Gourlay said, “I am delighted to have secured the services of a hugely experienced forward-thinking manager like Paul, who I have personally worked alongside during our time spent at Chelsea.

“Not only has he coached at some of the greatest clubs in Europe, winning trophies, league titles and European honours and working with some of the greatest players in the world, fundamentally he also has a rich understanding of English football having managed in both the Championship and the Premier League in recent years.

“Now, everyone at Reading Football Club is fully behind Paul and his squad of players as, together, we initially set our sights on an eight-game battle and continue to strive to the take this club forward.”

After agonizingly losing in the Championship play-off final last season, Reading have found the going far tougher this campaign. The Royals are currently sitting just three points above the drop-zone in 20th place.

Clement’s first game in charge will be against QPR at the Madejski Stadium in a weeks time.