WISE LUIS HAS DONE HIMSELF & ROYALS A FAVOUR

LUIS Castro was reportedly compelled to reject Reading by a late night heart-toheart with the owners of current club Vitoria de Guimaraes.

Portuguese media claimed the 57-yearold was reminded of the ‘long-term project’ he started last summer, and the backing subsequently received in the transfer market.

Perhaps that’s true. Castro, after all, had responded to the speculation by saying that “I only ever walk with my conscience”.

In all likelihood, however, he simply saw sense. Castro is pushing 60 and doesn’t speak any English. He has never worked overseas, let alone in a division labelled “crazy” by the vastly experienced Marcelo Bielsa.

The season is half over and, worse, entering its most frantic period. Taking charge now would be like parachuting a rural signalman into Clapham Junction at rush hour.

Yes, Reading were prepared to make him a millionaire. But after two decades in Portugal’s managerial hinterland, Castro is only now forging a reputation with a Vitoria side sitting fifth in the top flight. Keep it up and one of the ‘Big Three’ - Benfica, Porto and Sporting - will surely take note.

Castro, it seems, has gambled on the possibility of landing a big job in Portugal against the certainty of a major pay day but likely career suicide. He has done himself – and Reading – a big favour.