Mark Bowen: Former Wales assistant appointed manager of Reading

Mark Bowen has been appointed manager of Sky Bet Championship side Reading.

Bowen, 55, made 41 appearances for Wales and was an assistant manager under Mark Hughes at Wales and various clubs.

The former Norwich City defender takes up a senior management role for the first time in his 20-year coaching career. 

The Neath born full-back moves from his role as Sporting Director to take up the role as manager.

“In the relatively short period of time that Mark has already spent at Reading Football Club, he has commanded respect and admiration from all who have worked alongside him,” said Chief Executive Nigel Howe to ReadingFC.co.uk

“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.”

He replaces Jose Gomes, who was sacked last week, having only managed the royals for 10 months.

The Berskhire club are third from bottom of the Championship and are without a win in six, with their last win coming in August. 

Bowen was a reported summer contender for the Swansea City job before the Swans appointed Steve Cooper.

He was also considered for the Wales job before the Football Association of Wales decided Ryan Giggs was the man to lead them forward.

(Featured Image: Mark Hillary)