Reading owner Anton Zingarevich rejected advice from his board before axing Brian McDermott, it has been revealed.

The Mirror says ruthless Zingarevich sacked McDermott despite leading the Royals to promotion last season and winning the manager of the month award as recently as January.

It has been revealed long-standing chairman John Madejski and director of football Nicky Hammond pleaded with the Berkshire-educated businessman to spare McDermott.

Madejski reportedly told fans attending the club-sponsored Reading half marathon caretaker-chief Eamonn Dolan had been 'thrown in at the deep end'.

Zingarevich - who had hoped to name McDermott's successor before the weekend defeat at Manchester United - has also been knocked back in an approach for Brighton boss Gus Poyet.