Reading have sacked manager Brian McDermott following a dismal run of results that has left the club joint-bottom of the Premier League.
A 2-1 home defeat to fellow strugglers Aston Villa on Saturday was the club's fourth in a row and left them four points from safety.
McDermott, who joined the club as chief scout in 2000 before eventually succeeding Brendan Rodgers as manager on a full-time basis in January 2010, guiding the club to the Premier League two years later.
A statement from the club read: "Reading Football Club has announced today the departure of manager Brian McDermott.
"Owner Anton Zingarevich wishes to place on record his thanks to Brian who had achieved great success with the club since taking over as manager in December 2009.
"Brian gained promotion to the Barclays Premier League last year for only the second time in the club's history thanks to a remarkable run at the end of last season. However, in our current situation, owner Anton Zingarevich felt that a change was necessary.
"The search for a successor will start immediately and it is hoped that a new Manager will be in place as soon as possible to lead the fight against potential relegation."
More to follow.
Premier League strugglers Reading sack manager Brian McDermott | Sky Sports
Poor decision. Only so much can be done with the weakest squad in the league, would have been well set to re-build next year if they are relegated and try again for a stronger push. Only have to look at what happened to Wolves last year..
A 2-1 home defeat to fellow strugglers Aston Villa on Saturday was the club's fourth in a row and left them four points from safety.
McDermott, who joined the club as chief scout in 2000 before eventually succeeding Brendan Rodgers as manager on a full-time basis in January 2010, guiding the club to the Premier League two years later.
A statement from the club read: "Reading Football Club has announced today the departure of manager Brian McDermott.
"Owner Anton Zingarevich wishes to place on record his thanks to Brian who had achieved great success with the club since taking over as manager in December 2009.
"Brian gained promotion to the Barclays Premier League last year for only the second time in the club's history thanks to a remarkable run at the end of last season. However, in our current situation, owner Anton Zingarevich felt that a change was necessary.
"The search for a successor will start immediately and it is hoped that a new Manager will be in place as soon as possible to lead the fight against potential relegation."
More to follow.
Premier League strugglers Reading sack manager Brian McDermott | Sky Sports
Poor decision. Only so much can be done with the weakest squad in the league, would have been well set to re-build next year if they are relegated and try again for a stronger push. Only have to look at what happened to Wolves last year..