READING have sacked manager Nigel Adkins, after their 6-1 defeat at the hands of Birmingham City on Saturday.

Adkins took over at the Royals in March 2013, two months after being sacked by Southampton, who he led from League One to the Premiership in successive seasons.

Reading are 16th in the Championship table and 10 points outside the play-offs.

This campaign he has come under increasing pressure after a run of poor results.

Also leaving the club are assistant/manager Andy Crosby and first team coach Dean Wilkins.

Names already in the hat to take over the hot seat include Steve Clarke, Tony Pulis, Tim Sherwood, Chris Hughton and former Reading boss Brian McDermott.