CONFIRMED – Steve Clarke sacked as Reading manager

Reading have sacked Steve Clarke from his role as manager, the Championship club have confirmed.

The Scot was told his fate in a meeting with the club’s board on Friday morning in response to Thursday night’s 1-0 home defeat to Queens Park Rangers.

A chorus of boos and abuse was aimed at the boss following the final whistle at the Madejski Stadium, as another loss extended their dismal run to just one win in eight games.

Clarke insisted after the game that he was ‘still the right man’ for Reading, but the result seemed to be the final straw for the club, bringing an end to the Scot’s reign after just less than a year in charge.

Reading have confirmed Clarke’s assistant Kevin Keen will also depart, while Under-21s Manager Martin Kuhl has been promoted to take temporary charge of the first-team as they begin their search for a new permanent boss.

Clarke’s sacking comes just a few weeks after the former Chelsea and Liverpool coach angered Royals fans by holding talks over a possible move to Championship rivals Fulham.

He ultimately decided to turn down the job and stay at Reading, suggesting he had a greater chance of success if he remained at the Madejski, but the damage done by his flirtation appeared irreversible with supporters.

Though his axe means he could now make the Fulham move after all.

A Reading statement released on Friday morning read: “The board of Reading Football Club have this morning relieved Manager Steve Clarke of his duties. 

“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 Championship fixtures, the board feel that a change in manager is now necessary. 

“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, Under-21s Manager Martin Kuhl will take temporary charge of first team affairs and will lead training at Hogwood Park this morning.”