Reading sack Veljko Paunovic and name former Man Utd and Liverpool star interim manager

Reading have sacked Veljko Paunovic, despite winning at Peterborough on Saturday, and appointed former Manchester United, Liverpool and England star Paul Ince as interim manager.

The Royals picked up a 3-2 win at Preston, leaving them five points clear of the Championship relegation zone, but it was not enough to keep Paunovic in his job.

In something of a surprising move, Ince comes in on an interim basis in his first job in management since leaving Blackpool in 2014.

The 54-year-old has previously managed Macclesfield Town, Milton Keynes Dons, Blackburn and Notts County.

Ince’s son Tom joined Reading on loan from Stoke in January, making four starts for the club already and he will not be managed by his father, at least in the short term.

Reading Chief Executive Dayong Pang, said: ‘I met in person with Pauno yesterday morning and I would like to personally thank him for his commitment and dedication to our club during his time as first team manager – but also his professionalism throughout what have been undeniably challenging circumstances this season. Everyone at Reading Football Club would like to wish Veljko the very best of luck in his future career.

‘The board and I will now work diligently to identify the right candidate to take this club forward. This work will be done quickly but without undue haste as we fully appreciate the importance of our decision to appoint a new manager at this crucial stage of the campaign.’

On the new appointment, the club added: ‘Former England captain Paul Ince, father to Royals loanee Tom Ince, has been appointed to take charge of first team affairs on an interim basis alongside Academy Manager Michael Gilkes, while we embark on the thorough search for a new permanent manager.’

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