MARTIN Kuhl has opened up about the ‘cut-throat’ world of football after being axed by Reading FC in May.

The former Under 23s boss was told he was being replaced moments before Royals’ Championship play-off semi-final battle with Fulham.

Kuhl, father of former Academy midfielder Aaron, is now working on a building site as he looks to secure another job in football.

The 52-year-old admitted he was disappointed at the way Royals handled his departure and at the treatment of his son.

“I left back in May, it was the day of the play-off semi final against Fulham,” stated Kuhl in an exclusive interview with the Reading Chronicle.

“Lee (Heron) and Dutch Brian (Tevreden) just said ‘we are going in a different direction’ and that was it. They wanted it done quick so it got pushed through and signed off.

“I have put my name in for several jobs. I went for a job in India with Steve Coppell and Teddy Sheringham but I didn’t get that one.

Reading Chronicle:

Ex-Reading manager Steve Coppell is now in charge of Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League.

“I’ve been labouring for five weeks at Reading College to keep myself busy and get my feet back on the floor.

“Football is a great game but it’s a cut-throat business. There are a lot of good coaches out there who aren’t in the game. Good foreign coaches come over and it makes you raise your game.”

Kuhl joined Royals on a part-time basis in 2002 before turning full time in 2009. He worked with the club’s Academy and had a brief spell as caretaker manager following Steve Clarke’s sacking.

Reading finally announced Kuhl’s departure last week, nearly four months after he left.

He continued: “I was disappointed because I had been there for a long time. We had a way of trying to develop club without a great financial backing.

“We were doing well with the likes of Jordan Obita and (Jake) Cooper playing first-team football.

“I had a great time with Eamonn (Dolan) and worked with some really good managers. It’s a good club. You always feel you’re punching above your weight.

“I’ve given a lot of time and effort to Reading FC and they’ve been good to me.”

Kuhl worked with several of Royals youngsters who have all broken into the first-team fold this year. And he admitted he is thrilled with their development.

“It’s great, even the kids that have come through this year, the likes of Andy (Rinomhota), Axel (Andresson) and Sam Smith,” he added. “Even though I’m not there any more I worked with them for a year so I like to think I helped them.”

Kuhl’s son Aaron was also released from Reading in June after failing to secure a new contract.

Reading Chronicle:

Ex-Reading midfielder Aaron Kuhl.

The 21-year-old previously told the Reading Chronicle he had been frozen out of the Under 23s after learning he had not earned a new deal back in January.

And his dad believes Royals could have paid Aaron off to allow him to find a new club.

He declared: “Some people think I left because of Aaron but it’s nothing to do with him. He was treated by me as a normal player.

“He’s had a couple of difficult years but he’s a strong-willed boy and he can play so I’m hoping he can get through it.

“I did find it strange, and I understand why, that he couldn’t play in Under 23 games.

“I think they probably should have paid him off and let him move to a different club but they didn’t.”

Scott Marshall has taken over as Under 23s boss while club legend Michael Gilkes was promoted to first-team coach.

And Kuhl believes Gilkes is the perfect man for the job.

“He’s a good lad,” he concluded. “I’m pleased he has got the job with the first team.”

Royals’ sporting director Brian Tevreden said: “We would all like to thank Martin Kuhl for his hard work and dedication throughout his time at the club.

"We wish Kuhly the very best of luck in the next step he takes in his coaching career and beyond.”