Reading FC appoint Paul Ince as Bowen returns
Paul Ince has been permanently appointed first team manager with Mark Bowen back as Head of football operations
Reading Football Club has confirmed Paul Ince has been appointed as first team manager.
Alex Rae has also accepted the opportunity to be Assistant Manager with the Royals as both interim positions now become permanent ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
Ince took interim charge of the club in late February and won his first match after only three days in charge - earning three crucial points under the lights at the Select Car Leasing Stadium against Birmingham City.
As Interim Manager, Ince won four and drew three of his first eleven games in the dugout – home victories against promotion-chasing Blackburn Rovers and then Stoke City at the start of April followed up with an unforgettable injury time win at Bramall Lane on Good Friday.
An incredible comeback at home to Swansea City three days later earned Reading a dramatic point in a 4-4 draw in RG2 to all but make safety secure with three games of a challenging season remaining.
Chief Executive Dayong Pang said:
“Paul and Alex were brought into Bearwood to instil confidence, structure, spirit and determination into a first team squad which in difficult circumstances had lost its way early in the year. And ultimately, he had to produce almost immediate results.
“Fourteen points from their first ten games proved enough to keep the club in the Championship and I am delighted that Paul and Alex have accepted the challenge to take this club forward.”
The club also confirmed former manager Mark Bowen has returned in a new role of 'Head of Football Operations'.
Fan groups had called for a such a role to be introduced to give the club more footballing direction.
Chief Executive Dayong Pang said:
"We have a very important summer in front of us as we look to plan and prepare for another challenge in the Championship in 2022-23 - so I am delighted that Mark has agreed to join us to help spearhead those preparations as Head of Football Operations.
“Owner Mr Dai and I recognise the considerable impact an appointment of this nature can make within the structure of the club and, as well as boasting a huge level of experience in football at the highest level, in Mark we have appointed an individual who possesses a very clear, strong understanding of Reading Football Club and the specific challenges we face.
“He will provide valuable guidance, a football-driven focus and consistency across our first team and Academy age groups which we are confident will help re-establish an identity across all the pitches at Bearwood Park and develop a footballing culture which will be defined by an aim to ensure our players achieve their maximum potential. I’m very much looking forward to working with Mark once more."