Lucas Joao delivers “interesting” Reading FC verdict on Paul Ince amid poor start

Reading forward Lucas Joao has revealed that interim manager Paul Ince is a very demanding coach but also a good character to have around the training ground, speaking to Sky Sports ahead of this evening’s tie against AFC Bournemouth.

The 54-year-old first arrived at the Select Car Leasing Stadium last month as a temporary replacement for predecessor Veljko Paunovic, who endured a torrid time in 2022 prior to his departure and was even the subject of protests from a section of supporters.

Despite the change in management though, their fortunes have failed to improve, winning Ince’s first game in charge against Birmingham City but suffering losses against Blackpool, Millwall and Nottingham Forest since then.

Conceding four against Neil Critchley’s men and last weekend’s opponents at the City Ground, their defence has remained under siege and they are on course to head down to League One based on their recent form.

Many Reading fans remain sceptical about the temporary appointment of former England international Ince, both in terms of the 54-year-old only being a “temporary” appointment and his credentials having spent eight years away from management before taking up this role.

Joao had nothing but good things to say about his current boss though, speaking to Sky Sports about what the former midfielder is like behind the scenes.

He said: “It’s been a good experience because he’s an interesting coach.

“It’s all about hard work and he’s very demanding.

“But he’s also a very funny person and it’s good to have someone like him around the training ground every day.”

The Verdict:

Ince is certainly a character and that comes through during his interviews. The fact he’s so straight-talking is something that works in his favour –