Premier League strugglers Reading have confirmed the departure of manager Brian McDermott.
McDermott, 51, led the club to promotion last season, but four successive Premier League defeats have left them four points adrift of safety.
A Reading statement said: "Owner Anton Zingarevich wishes to place on record his thanks to Brian.Play media
McDermott's last interview as Reading manager
"The search for a successor starts immediately. It is hoped a new manager will be in place as soon as possible."
McDermott first joined Reading in 2000 as a scout/coach working under Alan Pardew and Steve Coppell.
He was named caretaker manager in 2009 following the sacking of Brendan Rodgers, before being appointed permanent manager.
McDermott guided Reading on a run of 15 wins from 19 games towards the end of last season to secure promotion to the top flight for only the second time in the club's history.
Reading struggled for the first half of this season, winning only two Premier League games, but showed signs of improvement in 2013, winning four successive games in all competitions, including two in the top flight, and was named the January manager of the month.
However, defeats by Stoke, Wigan and Everton followed before a 2-1 loss at home to relegation rivals Aston Villa at the weekend, left Reading 19th in the table, level on 23 points with bottom club QPR.
The Reading statement added: "Brian gained promotion to the Premier League last year for only the second time in the club's history thanks to a remarkable run at the end of last season.
"However, in our current situation, owner Anton Zingarevich felt that a change was necessary."
