STEVEN Reid says he is moving ‘on to the next chapter’ after his surprise departure from Reading FC.

Royals put out a statement last night confirming Reid has left the club after two years as first-team coach.

But the reasons behind Reid’s sudden exit remain sketchy, with Reading simply stating: “Steven is an exciting and ambitious coach who wishes to enhance his experience within the game.”

There was no hint of Reid leaving his post when the Chronicle interviewed the 36-year-old former Republic of Ireland international a few weeks ago.

The ex-Millwall, Blackburn and West Brom player appeared upbeat about the future despite Reading’s Championship play-off final defeat to Huddersfield, and he was confident Jaap Stam’s side could mount another promotion challenge this season.

He said: "The aim is to remember the feeling of losing at Wembley to use as a positive going into next season.

“Hopefully we can go one step further this time."

Reid has also been involved in Reading's pre-season campaign and was part of the first-team's recent tour to Holland.

However, Reid harbours ambitions of becoming a manager one day and it appears his head may have been turned.

Reid tweeted: ‘Great experience and learning at Reading FC over the last two years. On to the next chapter.’

Reid was brought in by former boss Steve Clarke in June 2015 to help with coaching the first team.

He kept his position when Clarke was axed that December and then worked under his successor Brian McDermott.

Reading Chronicle:

Steven Reid with former Reading boss, Steve Clarke.

McDermott’s second stint as Royals boss lasted barely six months, but again Reid kept his job when Jaap Stam was brought in last summer.

However, after one year working under the Dutchman, Reid has now moved on.

Stam had brought his own coaching staff with him from Ajax, with Andries Ulderink as assistant manager and Said Bakkati also working as first-team coach.

It is understood Stam has no immediate plans to replace Reid.

A Reading FC statement said: “Reading Football Club announces that Steven Reid's employment with the Club has ended with effect from today to enable Steven to pursue new opportunities and challenges.

"Steven is an exciting and ambitious coach who wishes to enhance his experience within the game.

"We are grateful for Steven's contribution to the Club and wish him the very best for the future.”

Reading Chronicle:

Jaap Stam and Said Bakkati talk tactics.

Reading are due to face Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem in their final pre-season friendly at Adams Park this Saturday (3pm ko).

The match is taking place in Wycombe while Royals’ new £800,000 pitch at Madejski Stadium beds down.

Stam’s men begin the 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship campaign with a trip to QPR on August 5.