Reading have confirmed that manager Nigel Adkins has been sacked with immediate effect.

The Royals are currently in 16th place in the Championship table following a disappointing start to the season.

Adkins's last match in charge was a 6-1 defeat away to Birmingham City on Saturday.

The 49-year-old joined the club in March 2013, replacing Brian McDermott. Assistant manager Andy Crosby and first-team coach Dean Wilkins have also left the Berkshire outfit.

"The club met with Nigel in person today and we would like to place on permanent record our thanks to him for his hard work and diligence since his appointment in March 2013," read an official club statement.

Reading continue their Championship campaign on Saturday when they make the trip to promotion-chasing Watford.