PHIL Parkinson could be set for a Reading FC return after Luis Castro snubbed the chance to manage in England.

Castro has decided to stay at Vitoria Guimaraes following lengthy talks with the club yesterday.

‘Super agent’ Kia Joorabchian is thought to have flown to Portugal over the weekend to offer Castro the Royals’ job following the dismissal of Paul Clement.

Portuguese media outlets suggested an 11m euro salary package and promise of 100m euros to spend on new players was put on the table.

However, Vitoria – fifth in the Portuguese top flight – convinced the 57-year-old former Porto coach to see out the project he started in May when he joined them on a two-and-a-half year contract.

A source in Portugal told the Chronicle: “I believe this would have been a great opportunity for Luis Castro and a tremendous honour.

“He is very appreciated in Portugal. He talks well, speaks to fans and is a good coach to work for. He’s very open, he never makes excuses and focus is always on his players and their best interests.

“He likes a good project and likes working with young players. But Vitoria has a special place in his heart and the club invested in other players he wanted over the summer.

“If it’s local knowledge Reading want them maybe he isn’t the best man.”


Former Reading skipper and promotion-winner Parkinson has now overtaken Castro as the clear bookmakers’ favourite.

His odds have tumbled from 12/1 yesterday to evens today with SkyBet, with Castro still 6/4.

Parkinson, 51, is on a one-year rolling contract at cash-strapped Bolton Wanderers and Royals would not have to pay much compensation.

The Chronicle understands Reading held brief talks with Parkinson earlier this year before Clement was appointed as Jaap Stam’s replacement in March.

Royals chief executive Nigel Howe is believed to have attempted to make contact with representatives of the Trotters boss in the past few days and is hopeful of naming the next permanent manager before Saturday’s trip to Rotherham United (3pm ko).

Ex-Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce and former Swansea managers Carlos Carvalhal and Francesco Guidolin have also been considered by the Reading hierarchy, which has undergone massive change in the past few weeks following the departure of CEO Ron Gourlay and sporting director, Gianluca Nani.

Former Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill has come in to 10/1 along with Wycombe Wanderers’ well-respected manager Gareth Ainsworth, having led them to promotion top League One last season and ninth place in the table on a shoestring budget.

There is also popular support among Reading fans for Slavisa Jokanovic who took Fulham into the Premier League before recently losing his job.

Reading Under 23s boss Scott Marshall and assistant manager Nigel Gibbs continue to lead first-team training while the search for a manager continues.

Latest odds on the next Reading manager with SkyBet: Phil Parkinson (evs), Luis Castro (6/4), Steve Bruce (8/1), Martin O’Neill (10/1), Gareth Ainsworth (10/1), Francesco Guidolin (12/1), Salvisa Jokanovic (18/1), Graeme Murty (20/1), Carlos Carvalhal (22/1), Alan Pardew (33/1), Scott Marshall (33/1), Nigel Pearson (40/1), Mark Warburton (40/1), Brian McDermott (40/1), Steve Coppell (40/1).