ROYALS technical director Brian Tevreden has quit his job after two-and-a-half years at the club.
The Dutchman arrived from Ajax in February 2016 as head of international football and development before switching roles to replace the departing Nick Hammond as director two months later.
Tevreden, 36, played a key role in bringing Jaap Stam in as manager of Reading and led negotiations to complete deals for the likes of Liam Moore and John Swift, who guided the Royals to the 2017 Championship play-off final.
But recruitment has been less successful since Tevreden began working with new chief executive Ron Gourlay, who arrived last summer.
And he has now decided to leave England and take up a position as technical director at Belgian side KSV Roeselare, who are also run by Reading’s owners Dai Yongge and Dai Xiu Li.
“It has been an absolute honour to represent Reading Football Club during the last two-and-a-half years and a real privilege to work alongside so many good people within the club -owners, members of the board, managers, coaches, players, supporters and staff,” said Tevreden.
“Now I am really looking forward to this new challenge with KSV Roeselare.”
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Gourlay last week described Tevreden as “very, very important to the football club”.
Following his departure, the CEO said: “Brian has worked very hard for this football club and I have enjoyed working with him.
“He has certainly earned this new opportunity.
“Personally, I would like to wish him every success in his new role with Roeselare and all the very best for the future.”
Gourlay now has a new man to work with as Reading have swiftly snapped up Italian Gianluca Nani as Tevreden’s replacement.
Nani, 55, has previously worked at Watford and West Ham United and arrives as the club’s sporting director.
He more recently took on a role with Abu Dhabi outfit Al Jazira before being dismissed in August 2016.
“I’m really proud to join and now be part of an historic club as glorious as Reading,” said Nani.
“I will put in all my effort and my knowledge to ensure that the club and its fans enjoy the success they deserve.
“With hard work, I am truly confident we will have a bright future together.”
Gourlay added: “We are delighted to welcome Gianluca to Reading Football Club.
“He is a sporting director who has experience of working at the very highest level and a proven pedigree in nurturing young footballing talent and creating recruitment and development structures which successfully work hand in hand.”
