READING FC has confirmed the appointment of Ruben Selles as their new first-team manager after his work visa application was accepted.
The Spaniard joins the Royals after a short spell with Southampton in the Premier League last season.
The Royals endured a long search to find their new boss which originally saw Chris Wilder as the frontrunner before talks broke down due to a disagreement on backroom staff.
Selles now takes the reins at the Select Car Leasing Stadium as Reading gear up for life in League One after suffering relegation from the Championship last season.
Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, said: “The search for our manager was exhaustive, complex and undeniably challenging. It has taken longer than any of us wished or anticipated but it was imperative that we got the appointment of a new first team manager right. Having jumped this final hurdle, with all the visa documents now fully approved and ratified, I’m so pleased Rubén can now take the reins.
“Rubén is an ambitious man with an insatiable enthusiasm for football, a clear, conscientious and analytical approach to coaching and a determination and hunger to succeed. We all have to be aligned on a clear footballing philosophy at this club which can cascade down from the first team through the age groups of our Academy, fully embracing our continued commitment to the development of our young players…and Rubén has proven pedigree in implementing that philosophy.
“So we believe that, in Rubén, we have identified an impressive manager who is the right fit for us and who, importantly, is ready to grasp this opportunity and take on the challenges that lie ahead.
“Those challenges still remain, but we believe the outstanding financial issues which have kept this club under strict embargo are now being resolved, so we will tackle those challenges head on as a football club.
“This has to be the start! This must be the beginning of a project which will see us collectively drive this club forward. And that project absolutely has to include our supporters at every turn.
“Speaking personally, I wholeheartedly appreciate our fans’ patience which I know has been severely tested. Now, with Rubén at the helm, we will aim to revitalise this club and propel it along the right path.”
Selles was assistant manager at the Saints under Ralph Hassenutl from June 2022 before he took over the number one position on an interim basis after Nathan Jones was dismissed after a short spell.
After earning an impressive 1-0 away win at Chelsea to try and boost Southampton’s Premier League survival hopes, the Spaniard was appointed as the manager until the end of the season.
He was unable to help the Saints beat the drop and managed to win just two matches in his 17 in charge which saw Southampton finish bottom of the table on 25 points.
Southampton confirmed that they would not be extending Selles’ contract and are now looking to appoint a new manager as they prepare for Championship action next season.
