STEVE Clarke appears to have performed a dramatic u-turn and will remain as Reading FC boss despite talks with Championship rivals Fulham, writes Anthony Smith.
The 52-year-old Scot was given permission by the Royals to speak with Fulham's representatives earlier this week with a view to becoming their next manager following the sacking of Kit Symons.
And when Reading cancelled this morning's press conference it looked certain Clarke would move to Craven Cottage.
Bookmakers were so confident they even suspended betting on Clarke becoming the new Fulham boss later today.
But sources at Reading suggest he has now rejected Fulham's advances in order to continue his job at Madejski Stadium.
Another theory is that a snag – possibly over the amount of compensation Fulham would have to pay Reading – could have also scuppered the move completely.
It now leaves Clarke in a difficult position as he could still be in charge of Royals for their Championship home fixture against Bolton Wanderers this Saturday (3pm ko).
But he is likely to get a frosty reception from the Royals faithful, many of whom have questioned his loyalty and commitment to the club, and would rather see him depart.
Steve Clarke. Doing the equivalent of coming back with bunch of flowers from a 24 hr garage after getting turned down 4 fun in a Travelodge
— Dave Gordon (@Wallid74) November 19, 2015
Even if Steve Clarke opts to stay at Reading there will always be that uncertainty towards his commitment and loyalty to the club #FulhamFC
— James Pople (@JamesPople7) November 19, 2015
Steve Clarke in, Steve Clarke out, in out in out shake it all ab't, he got half way up the M4 then turned around, thats what its all about.
— Alex James (@nbhescoresgoals) November 19, 2015
Despite the growing speculation linking Clarke with Fulham, he did take charge of first-team training today at Reading's Hogwood Park training ground.
The Reading Chronicle understands the club's Thai owners including co-chairperson Khunying Sasima Srivikorn are now due to visit Hogwood Park tomorrow for high-level talks with Clarke.
At this stage it is understood Royals also expect Clarke to take part in tomorrow's rearranged press conference at 9.15am.
Clarke, who has 18 months remaining on his Reading contract, was given the funds to bring in 11 new players in the summer and he also changed his backroom staff in recent weeks.
Neither Reading FC nor Fulham have commented on the speculation.
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