Assistant Kelly leaves Royals for personal reasons

Reading assistant manager Rob Kelly has left the League One club after seven months to relocate to the north-west for family reasons.

Kelly, 61, left a similar role at Barrow in November to join the Royals, having previously helped manager Leam Richardson win the League One title with Wigan Athletic in 2022.

"I've really enjoyed my time at Reading," Kelly told Reading's website, external.

"When I arrived, I spoke about wanting to work with good people and help build on the foundations that were already here and I feel we've been able to do that."

Richardson, who took over last October and guided Reading to 12th in the third tier, called Kelly's character and work "outstanding".

"He has helped build strong foundations for the season ahead and has had a hugely positive influence on our staff and players every single day," he said.

"Family always comes first and we completely understand and support his decision.

"While we'll miss him enormously, everyone at the football club wishes Rob and his family nothing but happiness and success for the future."

Reading's squad started pre-season training on Monday. Their campaign begins against Bromley in the Carabao Cup first round during the second week of August.