Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince has lost his job at Reading.

Ince, an ex-United and Liverpool midfielder, saw his side beaten by Preston 2-1 on Easter Monday.

Given that result, Reading are now in 22nd position in the Championship table.

Reading took a six point deduction due to a breach of financial rules only last week.

A club statement read: "Reading Football Club can confirm that the contract of first team manager Paul Ince has been terminated with immediate effect.

"Ince was appointed initially on an interim basis with his assistant Alex Rae in February 2022 and, alongside the likes of Academy Manager Michael Gilkes and Under-18s manager Mikele Leigertwood in the dugout, he did an admirable job in helping the club stave off the threat of relegation with four wins from the final 14 fixtures last season.

"Ince took the reins on a permanent basis in the summer and, having to cope with strict transfer embargo restrictions, he helped to piece together a new squad on a much-reduced wage budget - and with five wins from our first seven home games the season began brightly.

"However, without a win in our last eight matches and with a relegation battle to fight following a six-point deduction imposed last week, owner Mr Dai Yongge has decided that a change is needed. Assistant Manager Alex Rae has also departed the club."