Former Republic of Ireland captain John O'Shea has been appointed a first-team coach at Championship side Reading.
The Waterford man retired after Reading's final game of the season against Birmingham, calling time on a twenty-year playing career and he's now joined Jose Gomes' coaching team at the Madejski Stadium.
38-year-old O'Shea had played over 800 games across his career and Gomes is hoping the two-time European winner can impart his experience to the players at the Royals.
“John is an intelligent, modest, positive, highly-respected individual who enjoyed a quite remarkable playing career. He competed at the very highest level and remained a model professional throughout - and he set a perfect example for our young players to follow last season.
"I am excited to work alongside him again, this time as a fellow coach and I’m delighted he has agreed to join us.”
“As a player, John O’Shea won everything. Now, I am delighted that he begins a new career on the other side of the white line at Reading Football Club,” Chief Executive Nigel Howe said. “John is a man who commands so much respect within the world of football and I am sure our players will benefit hugely from the knowledge he has acquired and can now share as a first team coach.”
🇮🇪 We are delighted to announce John O'Shea has signed a contract which will see him return to the Madejski as First Team Coach
A legend on the pitch begins next chapter of his career alongside José Gomes at #readingfc #TheReadingWay
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) July 22, 2019
