This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Reading manager Jose Gomes turned down the chance to take charge of a Champions League club this summer in order to remain with the Royals, BBC journalist Tim Dellor has revealed.

Gomes took charge at the Madejski Stadium in December, with the team outside the relegation zone on goal difference and was able to guide Reading to safety in the Championship last season.

The Portuguese manager has never managed in the Champions League before, but turned to the chance in order to continue his work with the Royals.

Reading finished 20th in the Championship last season, seven points above the relegation zone and will face Sheffield Wednesday at the Madejski Stadium on the opening day of the new season.

So, just how much of a boost is this for the Royals? We discuss...

Gary Hutcinson

“From a consistency point of view, this is a great bit of news. Under him Reading got 26 points from 24 matches – is that a good enough average to get excited about though?

“I think he needs a summer, time with his own players and a chance to mould the squad. For him to have left would have just set them back once again, but at least they’re going to get a chance to see what his team looks like, not just what he can do with Clement’s squad.

“Do I think he’ll lead them to the top half of the table? Honestly? No.

“The boost is that him staying keeps them moving forward but as soon as that forward momentum appears to stop it might be time for a rethink. Better the club do it on their terms though.”

Ned Holmes

"This is a huge boost so close to the start of the season

"It is just 16 days until Reading begin their Championship campaign against Sheffield Wednesday, so losing their manager now could’ve been disastrous for their preparations.

"The 48-year-old remaining at the club is even more important given that Reading are currently

under a soft transfer embargo, meaning bringing in new signings is difficult.

"Gomes joined with the Royals in 21st, only above the relegation zone on goal difference, and successfully led them to safety in his first six months in charge.

"It seems he is optimistic about his first full season at the club and it should be really encouraging for Reading that sees his future at the Madjeski Stadium."

Josh Cole

“I think that Gomes’ decision to turn down the prospect of managing a side in the Champions League is fantastic news for Reading.

“When you consider that the new Championship campaign kicks-off in just 16 days’ time, losing the 48-year-old at this late stage could have potentially derailed the Royals’ preparations and thus their supporters may be breathing a collective sigh of relief.

“Having steered Reading to safety last season following his arrival at the Madejski last December, Gomes will be determined to take the club to new heights in the second-tier over the next 10 months.

“Although he will understandably be frustrated about not being able to recruit any players on permanent deals this summer due to Reading’s soft transfer embargo, there is no reason why he cannot strengthen his squad by utilising the loan market which is currently brimming with talent.”