Football
PA Sport 9y

Reading sack Nigel Adkins after heavy loss to Birmingham

Reading have sacked manager Nigel Adkins in the wake of Saturday's humiliating 6-1 defeat at Birmingham.

Adkins, who took the reins at the Madejski Stadium in March 2013, leaves with the Royals in 16th position in the Championship following the heavy loss against Gary Rowett's men.

The Royals have also confirmed the exits of assistant manager Andy Crosby and first-team coach Dean Wilkins.

A club statement read: "The board of Reading Football Club have this afternoon relieved manager Nigel Adkins of his duties.

"The club met with Nigel in person today and we would like to place on permanent record our thanks to him for his hard work and diligence since his appointment in March 2013.

"Following this weekend's 6-1 defeat at Birmingham, the board feel that a change in manager is necessary, with the club 16th in the Sky Bet Championship.

"As part of this process, assistant manager Andy Crosby and first team Coach Dean Wilkins will also be leaving the club, and we would also like to thank them for their efforts.

"The board of Reading Football Club are committed to taking this club forward and will make a further announcement to our supporters in due course."

Adkins took over from Brian McDermott and presided over relegation from the Premier League before delivering a seventh-placed finish in the 2013-14 season as the Royals missed out on the playoffs on the final day of the campaign.

However, results have been far more patchy this term, with Reading losing seven of their last 11 Championship games to sit seven points clear of safety, with the thrashing at Birmingham their worst league defeat in 15 years.

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