Former Reading assistant manager Rob Kelly joins Bolton Wanderers

Rob Kelly, the former assistant manager of Reading, has been confirmed as the new assistant coach at Bolton Wanderers. The 61-year-old spent six months at the Madejski Stadium alongside manager Leam Richardson, helping guide the club to a mid-table finish in League One last season. Kelly left Reading earlier this summer to return to Lancashire for family reasons and has now reunited with Bolton head coach Steven Schumacher, with whom he previously worked at Bury.

What happened at Reading?

Kelly joined Reading in January 2026, working alongside manager Leam Richardson. During his time at the club, Reading finished 12th in League One, with a goal difference of 0 (0 goals scored and 0 conceded). The club is currently preparing for the new season, sitting 2nd in League One with 0 points ahead of their next fixture against Cambridge United at home on 20th February 2027.

Why is this move significant?

Kelly's appointment is a significant boost for Bolton Wanderers, who won promotion to the Championship last season. The experienced coach brings a wealth of knowledge from his time in the English Football League, Premier League, and European football. He has previously worked at Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End, Fleetwood Town, Wigan Athletic, West Bromwich Albion, and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as overseas with Malmö, Fortuna Düsseldorf, and AGF Aarhus.

What comes next for Reading?

With Kelly's departure, Reading will need to find a replacement assistant manager to support Leam Richardson. The club's focus will now turn to their upcoming fixture against Cambridge United, who are currently 20th in the table. Reading will be looking to build on their mid-table finish last season and push for a higher position in League One this campaign.