Gibbo signs new contract

Gibbs joined the Royals from Watford in the summer of 2006 and initially took on a role with the reserve team but has slowly made his way up the ladder. When Brian McDermott was appointed caretaker manager, Gibbs took on the role of assistant and has now signed a permanent contract to mirror that of McDermott’s.


His official role will be first team coach but he will act as McDermott’s right hand man. After serving the club so well for a few years, Gibbs was pleased to sign a new deal.


‘I am delighted to sign, when Brian became manager he asked me to help him and now its been made permanent. Hopefully we can well for the club together and as staff.’


Whilst this is excellent news and keeps continuity running through the coaching staff, I can’t help but feel we are a little light on that side of things. Whilst at times it can be more of a hinderence to have a lot of staff on board, there would surely be an opportunity for a young coach to come in and perhaps work with the reserves to leave Eamon Dolan to focus on the Academy instead of doubling up.


I’m thinking a character like Ady Williams, who has experience working at Swindon as an assitant manager but is out of work. Infact he is currently filling his time doing articles for the Reading Post and would jump at the chance to get involved at the Madejski Stadium once more.