Leam Richardson's approval rating has taken a dramatic nosedive—and Reading fans have made their feelings crystal clear.
In our second approval rating, conducted after Richardson's first full season at the helm, supporters handed him an average score of just 1.7 out of 5. That's one of the lowest marks we've ever recorded for a Reading manager, and it's a far cry from the optimism that greeted his arrival.
Let's break down the numbers: a staggering 87% of voters gave Richardson either a 1/5 or a 2/5. Only a small handful went for 3/5, and votes higher than that were virtually nonexistent. (And yes, we did clean up the data after spotting a few folks trying to spam the poll with consecutive 1/5 votes—nice try, you rascals.)
Personally, I gave him a 2/5. But even I think an average of 1.7 feels a bit harsh for a manager who delivered a mid-table finish during a transitional period for the club. Have I seen enough to believe he's the long-term answer? No. But we've also endured far worse seasons.
The real story here is the sheer speed of the fall. When we ran our first approval rating back in January—just a few months after his appointment—Richardson scored a very respectable 3.67 out of 5. Back then, the majority of fans were either middling (3/5) or pleased (4/5) with his early work.
To see that score drop by nearly two full points in just a few months tells you everything about how quickly the mood has soured. Performances have been lackluster, entertainment levels have been a constant concern, and even Richardson's strongest asset—getting results—evaporated in the final weeks of the season.
The discontent has become impossible to ignore. In the last few matches of the 2025/26 campaign, chants calling for Richardson's dismissal rang out from the stands. Scroll through social media, and you'll find far more fans saying they're considering not renewing their season tickets than you'll find supporters backing the manager.
It's a tough picture for Richardson, and it doesn't get any prettier when you compare his May 2026 score to those of his predecessors. The honeymoon is well and truly over at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.