READING FC have followed the sacking of manager Brian McDermott by releasing first-team coach Nigel Gibbs.

Highly-respected Royals Academy chief Eamonn Dolan has now been placed in charge of first-team affairs for Saturday's trip to Manchester United.

Gibbs was a well-liked member of McDermott's backroom staff and played a pivotal role in the club's promotion to the Premier League last season.

A statement released by Reading FC confirmed: "Reading Football Club can this evening confirm that first team coach Nigel Gibbs has left the club.

"Everyone at Madejski Stadium would like to wholeheartedly thank Nigel for his valuable contribution since arriving at Reading in 2006.

"Eamonn Dolan, head of our hugely successful Academy, will assume responsibility for first team matters going into our next Barclays Premier League fixture away to Manchester United."

Reading have also confirmed that first-team coach Yannis Anastasiou was relieved of his duties on Monday.

Paolo Di Canio is the current bookies' favourite to replace McDermott on a permanent basis.

The former Swindon Town boss sat in the Madejski Stadium stands on Saturday to witness Reading's 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa.

Alan Curbishley, Roberto Di Matteo, Nigel Adkins and ex-promotion winning Royals boss Steve Coppell are also linked with the job.

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