Reading boss Mark Bowen has revealed that his breath was taken away when he was asked to take over as manager at the Madejski Stadium following Jose Gomes' departure earlier this term.
Gomes was dismissed by the Reading hierarchy following an underwhelming start to the Championship season, but this then opened the door for Bowen to take the reigns following his brief stint as sporting director at the club.
Bowen has made an impressive start to life at the helm since then with the Welshman having seen his side collect seven points from their last three matches, while their last outing saw them claim a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Millwall.
The Royals could now climb up to the 16th in the table if they secure three points at home to Luton this weekend, and Bowen has now revealed the pride he felt when he was initially appointed Reading boss back in October.
Speaking via Berkshire Live, Bowen has claimed he now feels at home as Reading boss and says it took his breath away when club owner Dai Yongge asked him to take over at the Madejski Stadium.
"This is my club now," he said.
"I’ve had a long career and had many highs, but nothing compared with the moment Mr Dai asked me to take over as manager. It literally took my breath away."
This role marks Bowen's first full-time managerial role with the Welshman having previously held assistant manager roles at the likes of Southampton, Stoke, Manchester City and Blackburn.
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The Verdict
There were plenty of doubts when Bowen was handed the managerial role at Reading following his promotion from the role of sporting director, but he has delivered success during his limited time in the role so far.
Bowen is clearly determined to succeed in his long-awaited managerial role, and he has so far managed to get the best out of the squad available to him by securing two consecutive home victories.
His comments here indicate how much the decision meant to him, and it suggests that he will do everything within his power to be remembered as a success at the club.