Mark Bowen has stated that recently departed manager, Jose Gomes, gave him a 'glowing reference' before the Welshman took over at Reading.

Bowen was appointed as manager of the Royals on Monday afternoon, and it was a move that many supporters questioned as he was fulfilling the position of Sporting Director at the club.

The 55-year-old has no experience as a first-team manager in his career, although has a number of years of coaching under him which will help him in his first tenure in charge of a club.

Bowen has insisted that Gomes was very happy for him and even said that the Portuguese man gave him a reference for the managerial job.

Speaking to GetReading, Bowen said: "I spoke with Jose - he was very pleased for me.

"He had conversations with people at the club and he gave me a glowing reference which I was pleased with."

The Verdict

It's quite a topsy turvy time at the club, it's quite the statement that Bowen has made with these quotes.

Many have speculated that he had a hand in sacking Gomes, but with no real concrete evidence. It's quite interesting for him to say that Gomes has given him a glowing reference, which shows how close the two were, and how highly-rated Bowen was around the club.

This might help supporters get on the manager's side a bit more, especially after the recent comments that have been made around social media. It's vitally important that if Reading are to have a good season, then the supporters give Bowen a chance and get behind the manager.

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