Steve Clarke: Reading sack manager after run of poor form
Championship side Reading have sacked manager Steve Clarke after a year in charge of the club.
His departure follows Thursday's 1-0 home defeat by QPR and comes just two weeks after he held talks with Fulham over their managerial vacancy.
Reading's board of directors met with Clarke in person early on Friday to confirm their decision to dismiss him.
Assistant manager Kevin Keen also departs, with under-21s manager Martin Kuhl taking charge on an interim basis.
Former West Bromwich Albion head coach Clarke was appointed Reading manager in December 2014 and led the club to an FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal in April.
Analysis - Tim Dellor, BSports Radio Berkshire |
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| "After the flirtation with Fulham a fortnight ago, Steve Clarke's departure seemed inevitable. Many fans said he was a dead man walking since then. |
| "In truth, Clarke's problems started long before that sorry episode. Only 13 wins in 44 league games was never going to be enough to keep the ambitious Reading board happy." |
He leaves Reading ninth in the Championship following a run of just one win in eight games.
Clarke's last interview as Reading boss
During his time in charge, Clarke won 19 of his 53 games, drawing 14 and losing 20.
Speaking after the defeat by QPR on Thursday, he denied being unsettled by the reaction of supporters following his decision to speak to Fulham.
"I understand the supporters are disappointed that we're not winning matches," he said.
"If supporters direct anger at me, it means they're not directing at the players, so that's fine.
"In football things can go against you sometimes. I can't comment on everyone's opinion."
