Exclusive: Lewis Wing Admits Ruben Selles' Move to Hull Hurt

Lewis Wing admitted losing boss Ruben Selles was a massive blow — but stressed Reading have to “move on” from his shock departure.

It really felt like something was brewing for the Royals this season under Selles with the club in the play-off mix. 

But the Portuguese boss jumped ship for Championship Hull City, where he penned a two-and-a-half-year contract, at the start of the month. 

Midfield maestro Wing, the stand-in skipper with Andy Yiadom out injured, told SportsBoom.com: “It was a big shock for all of us. It hit us hard. But we’ve got to move on quickly and forget about it."

“We can’t live in the past. We’ve got to remember what industry we’re in and this can happen at any time."

“It was strange, yeah. One day he’s there and the next he’s not."

“Usually when you lose a gaffer it’s because you’re not performing or the team’s not doing very well, but this is the total opposite so as a group we’ve got to take that as a positive."

“These things happen in football and you’ve got to move on quickly.”

HUNT THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB

Noel Hunt has taken over at the Majedski and he is someone who knows the club through and through.

The former Republic of Ireland international, who spent five years playing for the club, took caretaker charge at the end of the 2022/23 campaign before Selles took the job, and with Selles’ departure, Hunt was promoted from his role of Under 21 Manager to take care of the first team on a permanent basis.

“Noel’s come in and he’s the gaffer now and we’ve got to take orders from him,” added Wing.

“It was important the club got someone in who knew the players and knew the club.

“The sooner he got appointed the better for everyone and it was good he came in quickly.”

WING WANTS TO MAKE CHRISTMAS ONE TO REMEMBER

Wing joined the club in the summer of 2023 and was awarded the fan-voted Player of the Year award after a fine first season at the Royal.

The club’s fans have become accustomed to his long-range strikes, but this season’s stunning 35-yard thunderbolt against Crawley Town has already been earmarked as the League One Goal of the Season.

Hunt’s charges host Northampton on Boxing Day before Mansfield come to town on the 29th and Wing would like to unleash one of his trademark efforts as a belated Christmas gift to his parents.

“You’ve got to roll your sleeves up and get on with it with the schedule over the festive period,” offered Wing.

“It’s part and parcel of the game we’re in. Luckily enough, I don’t think I’ve ever played away on Boxing Day. It’s mad when you think about it.”

“I’m looking forward to spending time with family, but there’s always one eye on the football.”

“My parents are coming down so I’m looking forward to seeing them. They’re down for a week so will come to both of the games.”