PROMOTION-WINNING assistant manager Nigel Gibbs wants to replicate former glories under new Reading FC boss Paul Clement.

Gibbs was number two to former boss Brian McDermott throughout his first spell at Reading.

The pair made a massive impact at Madejski Stadium by leading Reading back to the Premier League by winning the 2011/12 Championship title.

McDermott and Gibbs were axed the following year as Royals battled to stay in the top flight before they both joined Leeds United.

Now Gibbs hopes to repeat history at Reading as Paul Clement’s right-hand man.

“That’s our aim, but it’s difficult,” stated Gibbs. “The achievements we had in my time before were amazing and shows how hard it is.

“It’s a difficult league to get out of, but we’re going to show we’re competitive in every game and that’s the most important thing.”

McDermott and Gibbs left Leeds in 2014, with Gibbs going on to enjoy coaching roles at Millwall, Tottenham before linking up with Clement at Swansea City.

He parted company with the South Wales club when Clement was sacked last December before they were reunited at Reading in March when Jaap Stam departed.

“I had a very enjoyable time here before, a very successful time too, and it’s good to be back,” added Gibbs, 52. “We had those eight games at the end of last season where we were able to stay in the division which is what we were brought in to do.

“We’ve now had the post-season, and pre-season is upon us and we’re looking forward to next year.”

Gibbs revealed it was Clement who made contact with him after he was offered the Reading job, and he jumped at the chance to return to the club.

“I worked with Paul at Swansea and he said if the opportunity came again we’d work together,” he recalled. “I was delighted when he said it was Reading.

“I have great memories and I loved my time here. There are still some people working in the background from when I was here before.

“I really enjoyed coming back and being welcomed back and getting down to hard work again.”

Reading are due to play their second pre-season friendly tomorrow when they travel to AFC Wimbledon (12pm ko).

Royals lost their opening fixture 2-1 at non-league Eastleigh last weekend.