Steve Clarke Confirmed As Manager

16 December 2014
By Hob Nob Anyone?

Steve Clarke has been confirmed as the new manager of Reading Football Club. The former West Bromwich Albion was appointed less than 24 hours after the confirmation that Nigel Adkins has been dismissed making it obvious he was already on his way to Reading FC prior to the 1-6 thrashing at Watford on Saturday. Clarke will now be in place ready for Saturday's visit of Watford to the Madejski Stadium.

Clarke joins Reading on a two and a half year contract which will see him under contract until the end of the 2016/2017 season - assuming he lasts that long in the position. In confirming Clarke as manager the club stated: "Steve was our first choice candidate for the manager's role.". His experience, and huge number of connections gained, at Newcastle, Chelsea, West Ham United and West Brom should be to his advantage in the Championship.

After signing his contract with John Madejski Clarke spoke of his delight at joining Reading after a year out of football management: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Reading Football Club and I look forward to helping the club move in the right direction. A big part of the work ahead is on the training ground and I look forward to meeting the players and getting onto the grass with them. There is real potential here and hopefully exciting times ahead for the supporters."

Clarke has less than four full days to get to know the squad before 16th placed Reading take on 6th placed Watford in a game that has suddenly taken on some meaning. Clarke will be hoping to turn around a poor run that has seen the Royals win just 3 times out of the last 15 attempts. Reading have failed to score in their last two home games - a 0-1 defeat to Charlton and a 0-0 draw against Bolton. Even a Reading goal might be seen as progress.

Steve Clarke - Career Record:

As a player:
1982-1987: St. Mirren (200 games, 7 goals)
1987-1998: Chelsea (330 games, 7 goals)

As an assistant manager:
1998-1999: Newcastle United
2004-2008: Chelsea
2008-2011: West Ham United
2011-2012: Liverpool

As a manager:
1999: Newcastle United (caretaker manager, 1 game: 1 defeat)
2012-2013: West Bromwich Albion (60 games: 19 wins, 15 draws and 26 defeats)

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