Dillon wants Reading job

Exclusive by Stuart Roach

I haven't spoken to Al since he left and that's the way it has got to be at the moment Kevin Dillon

Kevin Dillon wants to take over as Reading manager on a full-time basis.

The former Portsmouth and Newcastle midfielder has been elevated from first-team coach to caretaker manager following the shock resignation of Royals manager Alan Pardew.

And Dillon hinted to BBC Sport that he would have no intention of following Pardew to West Ham, if the Hammers were to install the former Crystal Palace midfielder as their new manager.

"It's a natural progression for me," Dillon told this website.

"I have done the youth team then went on to set up the Academy, then I was doing the reserves and the Academy and now I have progressed to first team coach and assistant manager.

"So it's a natural step and you can read into that what I think.

"There's a lot going on behind the scenes as far as Alan's concerned and until that is resolved it's not for me to say.

"But I think the most important thing for us right now is continuity - and not just because I'm technically next in line.

"Things have gone so well for two years and the same staff have been involved, so it would be a shame if that was disrupted.

"But it's not an issue at the moment. The only issue is the team and taking them into the next game."

League Managers Association urge Pardew investigation

By a remarkable twist of the football fixture list, that next game just happens to be at Upton Park as the two teams on either side of the Pardew tug of war are thrown together for a mouth-watering First Division fixture.

"It's amazing how these fixtures turn themselves up, but it was a big game anyway. West Ham are in the top six and have adjusted to the First Division very well; we are second and have started very well too," said Dillon.

He added: "It's going to be a full house and is probably the biggest game outside the Premiership.

Reading's players are fired up for Saturday's game at West Ham

"There will be a real charge to the atmosphere now. We are taking over 2,000 Reading fans and could have sold a lot more tickets. I'm sure they'll be behind the team wanting us to win.

"The players are really fired up and they were flying in training. I'm looking forward to seeing them perform at the level they have trained."

Dillon, a former Reading player, also insisted that the players held no resentment towards Pardew following his decision to quit, despite having guided the Royals to second place following an unbeaten start to the campaign.

"They are not angry or frustrated, they are professionals and they will get on with it. There is enthusiasm and they want the West Ham game to come as they haven't played for two weeks since we beat Wimbledon in front of 2,000 people."

Dillon admitted that he has not yet spoken to Pardew about his decision to quit, but told this website: "We will probably speak eventually."

He added: "I haven't spoken to Al since he left and that's the way it has got to be at the moment.

"I think Al understands the situation as well as I do. We've just got to get on with it and it will sort itself out as time goes on."

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