Reading manager Jose Manuel Gomes turned down a Champions League club this summer in order to stay with the club, according to BBC journalist Tim Dellor. 

Gomes joined the club in December 2018 and is committed to seeing through the project he has started so far, having already completed his first objective of guiding the club to safety last season.

He has been left frustrated this summer due to a transfer embargo which has prevented The Royals from bringing in new additions, which makes his decision to stay more admirable.

The Portuguese is in his tenth managerial role and has not yet had the opportunity to manage on the European stage, but he is keen to prove himself in the Championship and take the club forward.

He has had mixed success with Reading so far. He has won only six of his 24 games in charge but it was enough for the club to finish clear of the relegation zone, and he has so far won over many of the Reading fans.

The Verdict

It is a big positive for everyone connected to the club that the manager is showing such loyalty and faith in the club.

If he can bring in some of his own players this summer and build a team to his liking then Reading should be in a much stronger position, and they can begin to start aiming for the top end of the table.

It is crucial the transfer embargo is lifted and Reading back Gomes with signings that he wants, otherwise he could decide that the club is not matching his ambition and depart when another club makes an approach for him.