Reading FC have been snubbed in their search for a new assistant manager as coach Richard Beale looks set to join Premier League side Aston Villa.
Beale had been set to join Noel Hunt’s coaching team at Reading as new assistant manager, however it now appears that he has rejected that chance in favour of joining Villa.
The Royals have been searching for a new assistant manager since the departure of Nigel Gibbs, who joined Championship West Bromwich Albion last month.
It appeared that 46-year-old Beale would be joining Reading to replace Gibbs, but EFL expert Pete O’Rourke from Football Insider is reporting that he has now chosen to join Villa as their under 18s manager.
Beale has previously coached in the youth set up at Vila as well as Birmingham City.
The Royals will now continue their search for a new assistant manager with the start of the 2025/26 League One season less than a month away.