Reading FC have announced that Mark Bowen has been selected as the new first team manager.
The Welshman joined the Royals in March 2019 as technical director before being promoted to sporting director in the summer.
This will be Bowen’s first role as a number one having been assistant manager to Mark Hughes for the majority of his coaching career, including spells at Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City and Southampton.
He will take charge on Reading’s Championship fixture this Saturday against Preston North End at the Madejski Stadium, with the Royals currently in 22nd position in the table.
Chief Executive Nigel Howe said: “In the relatively short period of time that Mark has already spent at Reading Football Club, he has commanded the respect and admiration from all who have worked alongside him.
“He came in at a critical period last season to help us retain our Championship status and had an immediate impact.
“Mark has two decades of coaching background on his CV, has tasted promotion to the Premier League and spent most of his coaching career in top-flight football. He knows this club and the owner and the board believe he is very capable of getting the very best out of a talented group of first team players and achieving the results we all want.”