Reading FC manager Veljko Paunovic is expected to be relieved of his duties after a run of eight consecutive defeats, sources have told the Chronicle.

Reading sit just two points clear of the relegation zone and have failed to win any of their last 11 games in all competitions, a run stretching back to the 3-2 victory at Swansea City in November.

Now, ahead of quite possibly Reading’s biggest game of the season away at relegation rivals Peterborough on Wednesday night, the club could be set to make a change with Paunovic expected to depart. 

One source close to the club told the Chronicle that it’s a matter of when not if saying “there’s going to be an announcement but you never know when with these owners.”

On Saturday, Coventry City beat Reading 3-2 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium as the club’s 150th-anniversary celebration was marked by a supporter protest outside the ground before the game and a small number of fans running onto the pitch to voice their displeasure at full-time. 

While the protest targeted a range of issues, much of the fans discontent was aimed at the manager who has lost support in recent weeks due to a number of shocking results including the FA Cup exit to Kidderminster Harriers and the 7-0 defeat to Fulham.

After Saturday’s defeat, Paunovic was asked about his immediate future with the Serbian responding: 


“If something’s going to happen it will happen. If that’s what you’re asking for. What we need here, whoever is working here to change this situation has to do day in and day out his best. Has to come and look to in my case, say ‘did I do everything I needed to do today? Have I been at my best today? Giving the team what they need on the mental side, tactical side, videos, addressing people.’”

Paunovic replaced Mark Bowen as manager in the summer of 2020 and has overseen 81 Royals matches, winning 28 of them.