In announcing Gomes, chief executive Nigel Howe said the 48-year-old was a manager with "a very impressive reputation in his native Portugal".

Gomes leaves Rio Ave to move to the Madejski Stadium and arrives in England shortly after his new side were beaten 1-0 at home by Middlesbrough.

"He brings new energy, excitement and impetus to Reading Football Club and, importantly, he boasts a reputation of creating winning teams with an exciting brand of football," Howe added in a statement.

"I would like to personally welcome Jose to Madejski Stadium and look forward to working closely with him and his coaching team to help to drive this club forward."

Gomes started his coaching career with CF Valadares, an amateur side in Portugal, before being taken on by Pacos de Ferreira as an assistant at the age of 25.

He went on to work as a fitness coach with the likes of Gil Vicente and Benfica, before taking the top jobs at Pacos, Aves, Leixoes, Uniao Leiria and Moreirense.

Gomes moved to Porto as an assistant in 2008, then went on, with manager Jesualdo Ferreira, to work at Malaga and Panathinaikos.

The manager's job at Videoton in Hungary followed, before spells in Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

Reading owner Mr Dai Yongge said: "We are delighted to have been able to bring Jose and his staff to the club. He comes to Madejski Stadium with a reputation as a forward-thinking coach whose teams are renowned for attacking and effective football.

"We are looking forward to helping him drive the club forward into a new and successful era and I am sure that all of our supporters will join me in welcoming him to our club."