BREAKING NEWS: RODGERS DEPARTS READING

Sportsdesk • Published 16 Dec 2009 18:30 3 Comments

BRENDAN Rodgers has left his position as Reading manager by mutual consent.

The Royals have made a poor start to their Championship season and are floundering just above the relegation zone.

The Chronicle tried calling Rodgers on Wednesday night but he was unavailable for comment, as was Director of Football Nick Hammond.

A statement on the club's website read: "Following a meeting this afternoon, the chairman, the board of Reading Football Club and Brendan Rodgers have agreed by mutual consent that Brendan Rodgers will leave his position as first team manager with immediate effect.

Reading Football Club will make no further comment at this stage."

Reading were due to make their annual visit to Royals Berkshire Hospital's childrens' ward tomorrow to hand out presents.

But the event was cancelled late this afternoon, the official line being that several players have been struck down with "a bug."

However, at around the same time Rodgers was at a board meeting with chairman Sir John Madejski, Hammond plus the club's directors.

And by the end Rodgers had lost his job.

The reason, according to the club's statement, is that he left `by mutual consent.'

However, when the Chronicle spoke to the 36-year-old Northern Irishman on Wednesday morning he showed no signs of resigning and was in bullish mood about his team's chances of winning at Bristol City this Saturday.

Chief scout Brian McDermott has been put in temporary charge and will lead the team at Ashton Gate.

It is not yet known whether assistant manager Dean Austin, football consultant Frank Lampard snr and sports scientist Carl Halabi have also left. The trio followed Rodgers to Reading from Watford in the summer.

Rodgers joined on June 4 and was in charge for 21 league games with five wins, six draws and 10 defeats.

Former Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson is thought to be one of the main contenders to replace Rodgers on a permanent basis.

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• 

  reading royal
  Unregistered User
  Dec 16, 18:51
  Report comment

  What a stupid decison by the board! just as we were making progress under rodgers they decide its enough! HAMMOND OUT HAMMOND OUT
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  A Very HAppy Royal
  Unregistered User
  Dec 16, 20:02
  Report comment

  Brilliant decision, this has made my christmas! I feel like I have my football club back, bye bye Brenda!! Thanks John, now get Fergie Junior
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Ex-Southbank
  Unregistered User
  Dec 16, 21:06
  Report comment

  Doesn't matter, there still won't be any money in January! What manager would want the job - knowing that? You'd have to be mad, or an extreme self-believer.
  
  Watford in serious financial trouble tonight - going/gone into administration. This is what's wrong - footballer's wages. Cure that and football MIGHT just be saved.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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