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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Paul Ince now his son's manager after shock return to dugout with Reading

Paul Ince will now be his son's manager at Reading after taking temporary charge of the Championship strugglers.

The former Manchester United player has not held managerial role since 2014, but has been called upon to keep the Royals afloat.

Reading are seeking a permanent boss after Veljko Paunovic left his post at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

It means Paul will be tasked with managing Tom, his son, who is on loan at the club from Stoke City.

Reading are five points above the relegation zone after Saturday's win over Preston.

Paul has previously spoken about his work at clubs where riches were not on offer but did suggest a long-term project was his desire role.

"I wouldn't say it [a managerial comeback] is done," he told Driving with Goldbridge on Youtube. "If I thought to myself I had had a torrid time as a manager, then that (a comeback) is not for me.

"But I've managed in all four leagues. My winning ratio is around plus 40 per cent and these were teams where I had been firefighting - they haven't been teams where I've been given a load of cash.

"Every club I've been to has had one of the smallest budgets, so I know I can manage. I know I can get a team promoted or save a team from relegation.

"If you're an owner and said, 'listen Paul, you've got a three-year contract and three years to get where we want to get to. Don't worry about year one or year two, this is where we want to be after three years and if you haven't done that, then you've lost your job,' then I'll take it. If not, then I've got no interest."

Paul began his managerial career at Macclesfield Town in 2006 before going onto take charge of MK Dons, leading them to promotion from League Two.

He's also been the boss at Blackburn Rovers, Notts County and Blackpool.

Reading's chief executive Dayong Pang hopes to quickly find a new solution in the dugout.

"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," he said.

The now departed Paunovic claimed the negative press - something he felt was detrimental to the club - was a major factor in his decision to leave.

He said: "It came to the point where it is best for the club. I am aware of the things that are happening and the negativity surrounding me - I never thought that was fair.

"I don't think at this point the team needs that. I am completely unselfish in this decision. I just want the team to excel and I want the best for the team and the club."

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