John O'Shea is staying at Reading next season - but as a coach rather than a player.
The former Sunderland defender, who has made no secret of his management ambitions, has signed a deal with the Royals to become a first team coach of the Championship club.
He will be part of manager José Gomes' backroom team at the Madejski Stadium, having left Sunderland last summer to join the club on as a player.
But upon deciding to retire at the end of the season, the ex-Manchester United player has gone straight into coaching, having been working on his pro coaching licences for a number of years now.
In the past he's made no secret of his desire one day to be a manager. He said: "It's a long road and it's a sometimes treacherous road too, as I have learned the last few seasons.
"If I've learned from people that I've worked with throughout my career that I could give something back along those lines, I'd be foolish not to because I've been very lucky and fortunate to work with some amazing people."
Prior to the official announcement of his new role, O'Shea was pictured in Portugal where he called in to see a Sunderland training session and catch up with a few old team-mates.
Speaking of his new role at Reading, manager Gomes said: "John is an intelligent, modest, positive, highly-respected individual who enjoyed a quite remarkable playing career. He competed at the very highest level and remained a model professional throughout - and he set a perfect example for our young players to follow last season.
"I am excited to work alongside him again, this time as a fellow coach and I’m delighted he has agreed to join us.”
Chief Executive Nigel Howe added: "As a player, John O’Shea won everything. Now, I am delighted that he begins a new career on the other side of the white line at Reading Football Club.
"John is a man who commands so much respect within the world of football and I am sure our players will benefit hugely from the knowledge he has acquired and can now share as a first team coach.”
