Reading manager Steve Clarke has admitted that he is "grateful" to the club for giving him another chance at management.
The 51-year-old was out of work for 12 months after being sacked by West Bromwich Albion, before he took charge of the Royals in December.
Clarke says that his extended break from football gave him the opportunity to take stock of his abilities.
"I took the time to assess how my career has been so far, where I wanted to go next and how I could improve myself as a coach," he told The Telegraph.
"But 12 months out was too long and I'm grateful to Reading for giving me the chance to go again with a fresh mentality. There were other opportunities, some where the club I spoke to chose someone else and others that I decided weren't quite right for me.
"I waited and thankfully I think I've picked up a decent job here. I'm happy with what I've done so far but I'd like to think there is a bit more to come."
Clarke guided Reading into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Saturday with a 2-1 win over fellow Championship side Derby County.
Steven Toplis
