Spearing, 50, has been brought in by boss Steve Clarke after the pair previously worked together at West Bromwich Albion.

Spearing left a similar role with the Baggies recently and was quickly snapped up by Clarke, who looks certain to make sweeping changes to his Royals squad this summer.

Clarke said: “Tony was a valued member of my staff at West Bromwich Albion and, when he became available after a back room shuffle there, I was delighted that I could persuade him to come and work for me at Reading FC.

“He has an extensive knowledge of European players, and coupled with his network of contacts at home and abroad, will be an important part of my staff going forward.”

The position of head of scouting and recruitment at Reading FC has been vacant since Steve Head left to join Norwich City several months ago.

Spearing declared: "I am delighted to join Reading and it was an honour to be asked to rejoin my former manager.

"I am part of a forward-thinking team here. I spent eight years at a similar-sized club in West Bromwich Albion, and when I got the chance to come to Reading I saw it as an opportunity not to be missed."

Spearing arrives with a wealth of experience after a successful career as a player, coach and scout.

The former defender played for Norwich City, Leicester City, Plymouth Argyle and Peterborough United and enjoyed coaching roles at King's Lynn and Cambridge United before making the change into scouting.

Royals will look to bounce back this Saturday when they host in-form Nottingham Forest (3pm ko) following their 3-0 defeat at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night.