Former Reading FC captain turned radio pundit believes that the return of Mark Bowen is a positive step for the football club.

Welshman Bowen was officially unveiled yesterday as the club's new Head of Football Operations, with Paul Ince confirmed as the full-time manager.

According to the club, his role will: "Provide strategic leadership across our club's football-driven operations - our coaching values, the club’s player recruitment approach, the use of sports science, analysis and medical data whilst vitally integrating our Category One Academy programme into the club’s first team philosophy."

Ady Williams played almost 400 games for the Royals and hosts BBC Berkshire's coverage of Reading matches.

Speaking on the Andrew Peach show this morning (17/5) the former international defender said: "Bowen is vastly experienced, I liked Mark Bowen I think he’s a real football man- I think it’s a decent appointment. I think we’ve been crying out for someone above the manager, we haven’t had it- one of the few Championship clubs that has not got a Director of Football- so I’m quite pleased that Mark Bowen is back at the football club. I like him as a fella and I think, and know, he’s a real football man."

Williams also spoke on the announcement of Ince, the interim manager turned full-time boss.

The former Manchester United and England midfielder, along with assistant Alex Rae, will take charge ahead of the 2022/2023 campaign after keeping the Royals in the Championship last season.

 

Reading Chronicle:

 

With 14 players out of contract, Williams believes that the official confirmation of the backroom team should enable new deals to be considered. 

"Whether you’re in a positive or negative camp, we can now start signing players," the Bracknell-born Wales defender started. "These players’ contracts are up at the end of this month, even the end of June technically. Now we can start signing players, because as a player I would not be signing or committing to the football club unless I knew who the manager or sporting director is. I think it’s a good thing we put it to bed, whether you’re in the Paul Ince camp or not, he signed, he’s the manager, Alex Rae is his assistant, Mark Bowen Head of Football Operations.