Reading have announced the sacking of manager Brian McDermott.
The Berkshire club, who sit 19th on the Premier League table, have ended their association with 51-year old McDermott who initially took over as caretaker boss back in 2009.
"Reading Football Club has announced today the departure of manager Brian McDermott," read a club statement.
"Owner Anton Zingarevich wishes to place on record his thanks to Brian who had achieved great success with the club since taking over as manager in December 2009.
"Brian gained promotion to the Barclays Premier League last year for only the second time in the club's history thanks to a remarkable run at the end of last season. However, in our current situation, owner Anton Zingarevich felt that a change was necessary.
"The search for a successor will start immediately and it is hoped that a new manager will be in place as soon as possible to lead the fight against potential relegation."
McDermott arrived at Reading as part of the backroom staff in 2000 before being installed as permanent manager in January 2010 and led the club back to the Premier League by talking out the Championship title last season.
