PAUL Clement has left his position as manager of Reading FC just hours after Nigel Howe was reappointed as the CEO.

The Royals boss was appointed towards the end of March and did enough to help the club avoid relegation from the Championship.

However, following a poor run of just five wins in 22 league and cup games, the club's Chinese owners took the decision to make a change this morning.

Assistant manager Nigel Howe and Under 23s boss Scott Marshall have been put in temporary charge of first-team affairs, including Saturday's home clash with Sheffield United (5.30pm ko).

The club issued a statement following his departure, saying: "We would like to thank Paul for his hard work during his time as manager of Reading Football Club and we wish him the very best of luck in his future endeavours.

"CEO Nigel Howe will now seek to swiftly identify and appoint a new manager who will fit the Reading mould, build a team which can deliver performances and results that will help us climb the Championship table and lead the club towards promotion in the future.

"The club will make no additional comment at this time but will provide further updates as soon as possible."

Former Swansea and Derby boss Clement has left with Reading in a relegation battle ahead of a busy Christmas period.

Royals are 21st in the table with four wins from 20 Championship games and are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Clement was appointed in March 2017 after the departure of Jaap Stam and helped Reading to avoid relegation on the final day of the 2017/18 season with a 0-0 draw at Cardiff City.

Howe had been combining the role with that of vice chairman while Royals searched for a replacement for Ron Gourlay following his acrimonious departure last month.