He achieved what he came in to do by guiding Reading to safety last season, but with no progress being made since his appointment, Jose Gomes’ time in the English second tier is to come to an end.
Jose Gomes joined Reading back in December 2018, set the task of securing the club’s safety in the Championship, with the club at serious risk of dropping down to the third flight of English football for the first time since 1992.
He succeeded in his quest though, confirming Reading’s Championship status with two league games still remaining of the season.
There was great optimism around the club, fans almost unanimously supportive of the Portuguese manager, so much so that they had a day dedicated solely to their coach to show their appreciation for his hard work:
The following is an extract taken from a TugaScout article dating back to 2nd May, 2019: “Reading fans honour manager Jose Gomes with ‘Portugal Day’”:
You'd be forgiven for thinking Nuno Espirito Santo was unrivalled in being the most beloved Portuguese football manager in England - but Jose Gomes is at least running him close.
After overseeing a revival with Championship club Reading to take them out of the relegation zone and mathematically safe with two games to spare, Reading fans are paying tribute to their manager by celebrating what is referred to as "Portugal Day" on the final day of the season.
There will be Portuguese cuisine sold outside the stadium for fans to sample before the game, while fans are vowing to be armed with Portuguese flags while also sporting the typical maroon colours of the Portugal national team to show that the work of Jose Gomes has not gone unnoticed.
The 48-year old has spoken of his pride at having such impressive support from the fans, with such a strong relationship between supporters and managers all too difficult to come by in this day and age.
He said "When I saw this idea, it really touched me emotionally."
"I'm grateful for how supporters are treating me. I feel at home."
Reading currently sit 20th in the league, which houses 24 teams in total, but could reach as high as 18th should they win their last match of the season against Birmingham.
His 27 points from 22 games in charge was sufficient to keep his club up and guide them out of the relegation zone, and the club chairman has already revealed that the former Rio Ave manager is going to be central to the rebuilding project at Reading.
Just how football can change in a matter of months, though. With just 8 points from their opening 11 Championship matches this season, Gomes’ fate has been sealed, his final game in charge being a 1-0 defeat versus Bristol City.
His imminent sacking has been greeted with mixed reactions by much of the Reading faithful, many suggesting that Gomes should have been given more time, and concerned about who may now take on the role.