Brian McDermott has been at Reading since December 2009
Reading have announced the departure of manager Brian McDermott.
The 51-year-old, who was appointed at the Madejski Stadium in 2009, took Reading back to the Barclays Premier League last summer.
However, the Royals have struggled at the wrong end of the table this season and have won five matches from the 29 they have played.
"It is hoped that a new manager will be in place as soon as possible"
Reading statement
They are currently second from bottom, level on points with bottom club Queens Park Rangers, and are four points from safety after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Aston Villa.
"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," read a statement on the club's website.
"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."
The club later confirmed that first-team coach Nigel Gibbs had also left the club and that Eamonn Dolan, the head of the Academy, would assume responsibility for first-team matters for Reading's next match is against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.
Reading's remaining fixtures
16 March Man Utd (A)
30 March Arsenal (A)
6 April Southampton (H)
13 April Liverpool (H)
20 April Norwich (A)
28 April QPR (H)
4 May Fulham (A)
12 May Man City (H)
19 May West Ham (A)
