It took a lot longer than it I expected it too, but Reading have hired former Southampton boss Nigel Adkins as their new manager.
When Reading surprisingly sacked Brian McDermott 13 days ago, I thought that they had to have someone lined up to replace McDermott with so little time left in the season. But after Brighton manager Gus Poyet turned them down, Reading eventually turned to Adkins.
Reading look certain to go down, as they are six points from safety with eight games to play and they play Arsenal this weekend.
But Adkins will point out that Reading then face Southampton, Norwich and Queens Park Rangers in April, a run of games that will determine their season.
Media reports suggest Adkins has been offered a £1.5 million bonus by Russian owner Anton Zingarevich if he can keep Reading up, but that is a bonus payment that Zingarevich will not be making.
In the long run though this is a good move by Reading. Adkins is a terrific manager. As Southampton manager, Adkins became the first Saints boss to gain back-to-back promotions when he won the League One title in 2011 and then earned promotion to the Premier League last season.
With a payroll that is not massive, Adkins should be able to retain most of his good players and Reading will be one of the favorites to get promoted next season.
