READING manager Steve Clarke was sacked after the Royals slipped up to a 1-0 defeat against Queens Park Rangers last Thursday night.

Clarke came under scrutiny from fans last month when he expressed an interest in joining Skybet Championship rivals Fulham.

However the move did not materialise, and Clarke returned to Hogwood Training Ground and announced his ambitiions to stay at the club.

But he was summoned into the boardroom on Friday morning, and formally relieved of his duties as manager.

Assistant manager Kevin Keen also left the club, while under-21s manager Martin Kuhl will take temporary charge of the first team.

Clarke brought in more than 10 fresh faces to the squad, showing his desire to get the club back up to the Premier League.

Nigel Pearson is the bookies' favourite to replace him at the Madejski Stadium with an announcement expected sooner than later.