Reading FC have confirmed assistant manager Rob Kelly has left the League One club for family reasons.
The 61-year-old departs less than eight months after joining the Royals, having been appointed as Leam Richardson’s assistant in November following the manager’s arrival at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
In a statement, the club said Kelly had returned to the North West to be closer to his family.
Reading thanked Kelly for his contribution and wished him well for the future.
Kelly brought a wealth of coaching experience to Berkshire, having previously worked with clubs including Leicester City, Preston North End, Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest, Wigan Athletic and Barrow.
Manager Leam Richardson paid tribute to his former assistant, describing him as “a fantastic support” since they arrived at the club together.
Richardson said: “Rob has been a huge help to me and everyone at the football club. While we’re naturally disappointed to lose someone of his experience and character, family always comes first and we fully understand and respect his decision.
“On behalf of everyone at Reading, I’d like to thank Rob for everything he has done and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
Kelly also thanked the club, saying it had been “a privilege” to work at Reading and that the decision to leave had been a difficult one, but was made for family reasons.
Reading have not yet announced whether Kelly’s role will be filled before the start of the new League One season.
