What a difference a fortnight makes. Steve Clarke was very much in demand two weeks ago as he was all set to take the vacant Fulham hotseat now he faces a Christmas period unemployed.
Yesterday Reading decided to part company with the 52 year old a decision that was taken after the Royals lost at home to QPR on Thursday night. A defeat that means they have only won once in the last 8 games.
So much for loyalty then. After turning down the chance to become Fulham Manager it seems as if Reading’s form wasn’t enough to keep him in the Reading hotseat and the Thai owners feel a change of Manager is required.
Will Clarke regret the decision not to take the Fulham job?. I bet he does but then again hindsight is a wonderful thing. It does reflect the ruthless nature of Football though but I doubt the Scot is all that surprised by the goings on either.
As for his replacement it seems as if Nigel Pearson is the early favourite. He not only has experience of getting clubs out of the Championship but also working with Thai Owners after his spell at Leicester.
Pearson has also been linked with the Fulham job so is in demand right now therefore the Reading owners will have to act fast to get their man.
Ultimately it seems that Clarke’s flirtation with Fulham has cost him his job at Reading. After being torn between being in charge of two clubs he is now in charge of none.