Brian McDermott didn't see his sacking at Reading coming.

The Reading Post says McDermott told the paper that he was "devastated" when he was told that his 13-year affiliation with Reading was up yesterday.

Assistant manager Nigel Gibbs, a hugely popular member of the coaching set-up at Madejski Stadium, has also been relieved of his duties.

The former Watford hero had been at the club since 2006.