Reading FC are still waiting to find out if Wally Downes will sign a new one-year deal.

As we exclusively revealed last month the defensive coach was offered a 12-month extension on his contract on a reduced salary.

Royals have cut staff wages by up to 40 per cent following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Downes has been waiting for Steve Coppell to return from holiday before putting pen to paper on his new deal, but it is thought he has now been in  contact with Royals’ boss.

The club’s director of football Nick Hammond said: “I have not heard from Wally since he was offered the contract and I have no idea at this stage what he will do.”

It is thought that Downes, who turned 47 yesterday, will sign his contract, although the former Wimbledon and Sheffield United player has never hidden the fact that he would one day like to return to management.

He was in charge at Brentford from June 2002 to March 2004 when he took over the reins from Coppell.