City manager Johnson loses both of his close assistants

READING City assistant managers Michael Butcher and Dave Tarpey have both left the club.

No official reason was given for their departures, but a source close to the Combined Counties League club said on social media that the pair, who have been in football for many years, “want to spend more time with their young families.”

A club statement read: “The Board of Directors understand that supporters may have concerns at this time and would like to reassure everyone that Simon Johnson remains fully committed to Reading City and will continue in his role ahead of the 2026-27 season.

“Since his appointment in 2018, Simon has overseen the most successful period in the club’s history, guiding Reading City to significant progress both on and off the pitch.

“The club remains ambitious about the future and looks forward to building on these achievements heading into the 2026-27 campaign.”

Johnson will no doubt be looking to appoint at least one new assistant.

Butcher has been involved in around 250 first-team games across both his playing career and his role as assistant manager.

In paying tribute to him, a club statement included: “Alongside Simon Johnson and the wider management team, Butch has played a huge part in leading Reading City through one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

“His commitment, leadership, passion and dedication to everyone connected with the club will leave a lasting impact for years to come.”

Commenting on the departure of their other assistant manager, the club wrote: “Although Tarps may only have been a Cityzen for a short period, his impact and legacy at Reading City Football Club will endure for years to come.

“Off the pitch, his decision to join the club demonstrated just how far Reading City has progressed, helping establish us as an ambitious destination capable of attracting one of the finest players to emerge from the local non-league scene.

“His presence also played an important role in helping the club secure landmark signings, including Stefan Brown, while his wealth of experience throughout the football pyramid proved invaluable in inspiring and developing our younger players.”

Like virtually every other club at their level, City will see a number of players depart during the summer.

Among the first to leave Rivermoor Stadium are Dan Davies and Jay Herbert, who are both heading to fresh pastures a long way off.

Davies, who has chalked up more than 200 appearances for the club, is off to start a new life in Australia

A club statement read: “We would like to thank Dan for his outstanding service and commitment over the years. A vital part of our midfield, he has played a huge role in the club’s success and leaves as a double centurion; a remarkable achievement and testament to his dedication.”

Herbert is heading to the United States after securing a scholarship at Rocky Mountain College in Montana, starting in the Autumn. He made more than 40 appearances in his first full season in men’s football. He also skippered the club’s under-18 team.

Not surprisingly, he was voted City’s Young Player of the Year.

Ollie Bourne was named Player of the Season by Johnson and his assistants, while the players voted for Mo Ceesay, who was also voted top by City fans.

Ceesay was the team’s joint goal scorer with skipper Stefan Brown, both finding the net on 19 occasions.

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