Who is Noel Hunt?
Noel Hunt is an Irish football manager and former professional player, now in charge of the Royals. Born on 26th December 1982, he enjoyed a successful playing career as a striker. Known for his relentless work rate and never-say-die attitude, Hunt was one of those players who ran his heart out every game. If you’ve ever seen his famous backflip goal celebration, you’ll know he was as entertaining as he was committed.
But Noel isn’t just famous for his footballing exploits—he’s also the younger brother of fellow Reading legend Stephen Hunt, who played alongside him for the Royals. The chance to play with his brother was one of the reasons Noel joined Reading back in 2008 from Dundee United, and together, they became fan favourites.
Playing Career: From Ireland to Reading and Beyond
Starting Out in Ireland
Hailing from Waterford in Ireland, Noel began his career playing junior football in his hometown before signing for Shamrock Rovers at just 18. During his time there, he developed into a standout player, scoring important goals and even earning the club’s Player of the Year award in 2003. It wasn’t long before he attracted interest from clubs abroad.
Making Waves in Scotland
In 2003, Hunt moved to Scotland, joining Dunfermline Athletic. He quickly made an impact with his pace and aggressive playing style, though his time at the club was interrupted by a knee injury. Later, he transferred to Dundee United, where his goal-scoring talents flourished. He became a reliable striker, known for scoring key goals against big teams like Rangers and Celtic.
One of the highlights of his Dundee United career was a hat-trick in a League Cup match and a goal in the League Cup final, even though his team ultimately lost to Rangers. By the time Reading came calling in 2008, Hunt had firmly established himself as a consistent and hardworking forward.
The Reading Years: A Fan Favourite
When Noel Hunt joined Reading in 2008, he was stepping into a Championship side that was looking to bounce back to the Premier League. For a reported fee of around £600,000, Hunt immediately proved to be worth every penny.
Early Impact
Hunt scored on his debut in a League Cup match and followed it up with two goals in a stunning 6–0 league win over Sheffield Wednesday. These performances quickly endeared him to the Reading faithful. Wearing the number 11 shirt, Hunt became a key part of the squad under Steve Coppell, known for his hunger and determination on the pitch.
Promotion Glory
One of Hunt’s greatest achievements came in the 2011/12 season when Reading won the Championship title and returned to the Premier League under manager Brian McDermott. Hunt’s eight goals that season played a significant role in the team’s success.
Premier League Memories
In the Premier League, Hunt continued to shine, scoring crucial goals against Newcastle and Swansea. While Reading’s time in the top flight was short-lived, Hunt’s energy and passion were unforgettable. Unfortunately, his contract wasn’t renewed after the 2012/13 season, and he left the club after scoring 33 goals in 145 appearances.
Life After Reading: A Football Journey
After leaving Reading, Hunt had stints at several clubs, including Leeds United, Ipswich Town, Southend United, Portsmouth, and Wigan Athletic. Though injuries and competition for places limited his impact at some of these teams, Hunt remained a hardworking and positive influence wherever he went.
In 2018, he returned to his hometown club, Waterford, in a player-assistant manager role, marking the end of his playing days and the start of his transition into coaching.
International Career
Noel Hunt also had the honour of representing the Republic of Ireland. After playing for the under-21 and “B” teams, he earned three full caps for the senior national side between 2008 and 2009. One of his most memorable moments came in a World Cup qualifier against Italy, where he featured alongside his Reading teammate Kevin Doyle.
Coaching Career: From Assistant to Manager
Hunt’s coaching journey began in earnest when he became assistant manager at Swindon Town (booooo) in 2018. After gaining valuable experience, he briefly served as the club’s caretaker manager. Later, he worked as an assistant at Doncaster Rovers before rejoining Reading in 2022 as a Senior Professional Development Coach.
In April 2023, Hunt was named Reading’s interim first-team manager after the departure of Paul Ince. Despite the team’s challenges, he impressed fans and players alike with his leadership. In December 2024, following Rubén Sellés’ move to Hull City, Hunt was officially appointed as Reading’s first-team manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Why Hunt’s Appointment is Exciting
For fans who watched Hunt during his playing days, his appointment is a reminder of the passion and commitment he brought to the club. For newer supporters, it’s a chance to get behind a manager who knows Reading inside out and genuinely cares about the team.
Hunt isn’t just a manager—he’s a motivator, a fighter, and someone who understands the club’s DNA. He’s already spoken about wanting to inspire the players to give their all, just like he did during his playing career. For a team looking to rebuild and move forward, Hunt’s energy and determination could be exactly what’s needed.
Additionally, Noel’s role over the past two and a half years at Reading has involved managing and coaching the Under-23 team, a responsibility he has excelled in, even leading them to a European competition. Who else could step seamlessly into the first-team manager position, causing minimal disruption? Noel already knows the current first team inside out, especially since many of the squad graduated from the Academy and worked closely with him. Moreover, he has a strong working relationship and mutual respect with the senior players as well.
Fun Facts About Noel Hunt
- Famous Goal Celebration: If you haven’t seen it yet, check out Hunt’s backflip celebration on YouTube. It’s one of the coolest celebrations in football!
- Family Connection: Noel played alongside his brother Stephen at Reading, making them one of the few sets of siblings to represent the club.
- Irish Pub Owner: Hunt co-owns a pub in Ireland called “The Dugout” with former hurler Davy Fitzgerald.
What to Expect From Hunt as Manager
Hunt is likely to bring a mix of passion and tactical nous to the role. Having worked with Reading’s academy and development teams, he already knows many of the players and understands the club’s philosophy. He’s also experienced enough to handle the pressures of managing a first team.
Expect a team that plays with energy and fights for every ball, just like Hunt did during his playing days. Fans will be hoping he can guide Reading back to success and maybe even create some new memories to rival his glory days as a player.
Conclusion: Welcome Back, Noel!
Noel Hunt’s return to Reading as manager feels like the perfect fit. He’s a club legend, a fighter, and someone who understands what it means to wear the Reading badge. Whether you remember his playing days or are just learning about him now, one thing is clear: Hunt will give everything to make Reading FC a team to be proud of.
So let’s get behind him and the team as they embark on this exciting new chapter. Up the Ding!
