Friday 4 December 2015 15:11, UK
Reading have confirmed they have sacked manager Steve Clarke.
Reading have slipped down to ninth in the Sky Bet Championship table after a poor run which has seen them win just one of their last eight games.
Clarke chose to stay at Reading after accepting an invitation to hold talks with Fulham about their vacant managerial position last month, a move which Sky sources understand contributed to the decision to dismiss him.
And Thursday night's 1-0 home defeat to QPR proved the last straw for the Royals board.
In a statement, the club confirmed: "The club met with Steve in person earlier today and we would like to place on permanent record our thanks to him for his hard work and diligence since his appointment in December 2014.
"Following Thursday night's defeat at home to QPR, added to a recent run of poor form which has seen the team pick up just one win in the last eight Sky Bet Championship fixtures, the board feel that a change in manager is now necessary.
"During his time in charge of the Royals, Clarke presided over a total of 53 games, winning 19, drawing 14 and losing 20.
"As part of this process, assistant manager Kevin Keen will also be leaving the club, and we would like to thank him for his efforts.
"The board of Reading Football Club are committed to taking this club forward and will immediately begin the recruitment process in search of a new manager.
"In the interim period, U21s Manager Martin Kuhl will take temporary charge of first team affairs and will lead training at Hogwood Park this morning.
"The club will make a further announcement to our supporters in due course."
Clarke took over from Nigel Adkins in December 2014 on a two-and-a-half-year deal. They finished in 19th in the Championship last season, but also reached the FA Cup semi-final where they were knocked out by Arsenal at Wembley.
Nigel Pearson was installed as favourite to replace Clarke on Friday morning, with the former Leicester boss even-money for the post, while Gary Rowett (4/1), Gary Bowyer (6/1) and Phil Parkinson (8/1) are considered the most likely alternative options.
