FORMER Reading FC boss Steve Clarke is set for a Madejski Stadium return next season after becoming assistant manager at Aston Villa.

The 52-year-old Scott was named number two to newly-appointed Roberto di Matteo at Villa Park earlier today.

It means Clarke will be back in the dug out at Madejski Stadium during the 2016/17 Championship campaign following Villa's relegation from the Premier League.

Clarke was in charge of Reading for less than a year before a run of one win in eight games cost him his job in December 2015.

Only a few weeks earlier he had rejected an offer to join Fulham following talks with the Craven Cottage club.

Nevertheless, Royals were still in play off contention when they took the decision to sack Clarke and re-appoint 2012 Championship title-winner, Brian McDermott.

However, McDermott lasted a mere 161 days back in the hotseat before he too was axed last Friday after Reading finished the season in a disappointing 17th position.

The highlight of Clarke's spell in Berkshire saw him lead Reading to the 2015 FA Cup semi final where they narrowly lost to Arsenal in extra time at Wembley.

Meanwhile, ex-Manchester United defender Jaap Stam remains the clear favourite to replace McDermott.

It is believed Reading are unlikely to make an official appointment until next week at the earliest.

The 2016/17 Championship fixtures will be released on Wednesday, June 22.