Former Reading striker Kevin Doyle has spoken warmly about his ongoing connection to the club and his respect for former manager Noel Hunt.
Doyle, who played a key role in Reading’s iconic 106 team who won promotion for the first time in the clubs history in 2005/06, admitted he still keeps an eye on the club’s results. He also revealed he hopes to attend the 20th anniversary celebrations of Reading’s promotion to the Premier League this April.
“20 years makes me feel a bit old, it’s a strange one,” Doyle joked.
Doyle refelcted on his former teammate Noel Hunt’s time in charge of the club after his stint as manager ended in October 2025 after a disappointing start to the campaign.
Reflecting on Hunt’s time in charge, Doyle said: “There’s not much left connection wise and Noel was one of those connections to speak to and talk about the club. Not that I would be much but it was nice. He was over in my hometown in Ireland last season with Reading’s youth team doing a link-up with my local team, Wrexford FC.”
He praised Hunt for steering Reading through a difficult period: “He did a great job under tough circumstances when the club was in a bad situation. He carried himself really well, dealt with things really well, and got Reading through a tough time.”
On Hunt’s first managerial role, Doyle added: “They didn’t start this season well. I wasn’t watching the games week in and week out so I can’t say whether he and the team were unlucky.
“I just think he did a good job when needed and didn’t let himself down in any way. Great experience for him, and for his first managerial job, I think he was excellent. Reading fans and everyone at the club love Noel. They’ve got a new manager but I don’t think anyone would have lost any respect for Noel and would be unhappy to see him back at some stage in the future.”
Doyle concluded: “Noel’s a good lad who had to work hard in difficult circumstances and I think he did excellent.”
The interview with Kevin Doyle was conducted by AceOdds Exclusives – AceOdds.com
