Reading chairman issues statement on sacking manager Noel Hunt after three wins from 14 games

Reading chairman Rob Couhig issues a statement on sacking manager Noel Hunt after three wins from 14 games this season.

The hosts went a goal down in the 61st minute with Doncaster striker Billy Sharp volleying the ball into the top corner following a scramble.

Royals substitute Kamari Doyle, on loan from Brighton, then scored his first goal for the club seven minutes after coming on to secure a 1-1 draw.

The result means that Reading sit 19th in the League One table with 15 points from 14 games, with just three wins from 14 games this season. Doncaster meanwhile are 12th with 18 points from 14 games.

Reading Football Club has today parted company with First Team Manager Noel Hunt.

Read the full statement from Chairman Rob Couhig 👇

— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) October 26, 2025

READING STATEMENT:

Today I have made the decision to terminate the contract of First Team Manager Noel Hunt.

This is a difficult day for everyone at Reading Football Club. As I said recently, football is a performance-based business and while we have seen moments of progress this season, results have not reached the level required. After honest discussions inside the club in recent weeks, I believe this is the right moment to make a change to move us forward.

Noel Hunt is far more than just a former manager of this football club – he is part of the fabric of Reading FC. As a player, he fought for this badge. As a coach in our Academy, he helped shape the next generation of Royals. As First Team Manager, he stepped up in very challenging circumstances and gave everything for the club.

Noel has conducted himself with integrity, hard work and total commitment. He cares deeply about Reading Football Club and he leaves with his head held high.

When I spoke recently about frustration, accountability and sometimes needing to be more ruthless, I was speaking honestly about the standards we must hold ourselves to if we want to grow. That responsibility begins with me. My duty is to make the decisions I believe give this club the best chance of long-term success. This is one of those decisions – not an easy one, but a necessary one.

Noel has been a tremendous servant to Reading Football Club over many years and I firmly believe he will go on to have a successful managerial career. He has all the qualities to do so, and he leaves with the respect of myself, our ownership group and everyone at Reading. He will always be welcome at the Select Car Leasing Stadium – once a Royal, always a Royal.

I also want to thank our supporters. Your passion and loyalty through this period of transition has been remarkable. Change can be difficult, but we will move forward with purpose, clarity and ambition – together.

Thank you, Noel.

Rob Couhig
Chairman
Reading Football Club

Noel Hunt said to RoyalsTV after the game: “It was a frustrating game. I think we looked tired, we had a big week away at Cardiff and in midweek and there. We looked a bit tired come the middle of the game. Decision-making wasn’t as good as it had been in recent games, so it was a frustrating one. Missing key players like Joel, Jack and Matty doesn’t help.

“The frontline we have is a young front line, Kelvin going back-to-back in games after coming back from an injury is not easy.

“Paudie [O’Connor] came through three games and felt crampy and sore with his hamstring going tight at the end. We hope it’s not too bad, but we knew it was a big week for him. We don’t ask him to do it that often but needs must, we want points on the board. It was one of those ones where they were a bit tired.”

Adding more depth on the first-half performance: “It was a tight first half and I said they needed more confidence to get the ball down and play through. It was making sure our distances are right. Decision-making in the first half and the areas we put the ball into weren’t as great as they were the last few games, therefore we couldn’t get a foothold.

“When we did, I thought we created some decent opportunities around the box. We wanted them to get it down even more as the game went on and as the game wore on we looked a bit more weary and that was the story.”

“We are disappointed. We had to stop the cross. To go a goal down was not ideal. It could have gone anywhere but it falls to the man you probably don’t want it to fall to. We showed character and resilience to come back. We looked a bit weary and tired, but we kept going, take the point and move on.”

On fans’ frustrations: “It [crowd chanting[] feels uncomfortable. I don’t like that. I’m trying everything I can, we’re trying everything we can, to pick up points and get going. Having the injuries we have isn’t ideal but the lads stayed focused and kept going.”

Here’s how fans reacted as the Reading chairman issues statement on sacking manager Noel Hunt after three wins from 14 games…

@MarkHopgoo46439: I reckon Bloomfield is nailed on tbh. He did fairly well at Colchester in a short period of time and he did well at Wycombe. Luton only got relegated on goal difference and their owners were never going to be patient this season. #readingfc

@HarrySmithF1: Good statement from @RCouhig and the right decision, albeit a bit later than most of us would have liked. Interesting that there is no mention of an interim manager. Can expect an announcement about the new boss, then. Bloomfield most likely, and I wouldn’t mind it #readingfc

@deanocx: Good statement well put. Let’s kick on now

@CazParker1871: Correct decision. Wish Noel the absolute best for the future, but his position was increasingly untenable. Players look fed up & we’re making poor teams look like Barcelona.

@max_royals: Thank you Noel. In our darkest times probably the only person who stepped up when needed. This season with the all the changes may have been a step too far, however your reputation should not be damaged. All the best

@Clivewratten: Sad day but inevitable, thank you Noel for giving it your all & for being brave enough to take it on. Also to Rob a genuine heartfelt message, which makes a refreshing change. I am sure Noel is as gutted as we all are it didn’t work out.

@smithmatt91: We never hated Hunt. We just saw no progression, no system, no style. He rode the confidence wave Selles left & now on his own got found out. its just the right thing needed to move forward!

@evine2004: Will always be a club legend and props for stepping up when we needed him most, but definitely the right decision. No hard feelings gaffer 💙

@_Luke1871: Thank you for sticking with the team during the rough times but you have to admit when your style of play was holding the club back. Must hire the right person now

@Stephen_Noakes: Probably the correct decision but definitely wanted it all to click for Hunt, maybe would have eventually worked out but it just didn’t look like it would, performances and results just weren’t picking up.

@Ant_Jones96: Correct decision, deserved the chance after last season to prove he was capable of taking us forward and unfortunately hasn’t shown that. Best of luck to him wherever he ends up.

@longlaneroyal: Good words @RCouhig. Tough times require tough decisions but this is the correct decision for the club. The fans will now trust you to make an extremely important appointment for the club. A complete reset is required so with your man in charge hopefully this can be achieved.

@AndyRFCCharman: Feel so sad & sorry for Noel. Every single fan wanted him to succeed but despite his very best efforts it clearly wasn’t happening for him & his coaching team. The club’s failure to properly strengthen our strike force made it even more difficult for him. #readingfc

@Nozzzaaaa: Awwww I think we are all gutted that it didn’t work out for Noel is a total Royal legend. Wishing him all the luck in the world going forward – Forever a Royal @Noelhunt20 💙🤍

@m1871e: Nothing but good wishes towards Noel. As said in the statement, the task he had was never gonna be easy, but he stepped up. Once a royal.

@JoshSB91: Shame it ended like this but right right decision. Just maybe a month late.