Reading owner Anton Zingarevich has revealed that sacking Brian McDermott was the "hardest" decision of his life.

McDermott was fired on Monday after the Royals slipped to second from bottom in the Premier League at the weekend.

"Anton Zingarevich and Eamonn Dolan met with the first team players and staff at Hogwood Park today," reads a statement on Reading's official website.

"Brian McDermott, Nigel Gibbs and Yannis Anastasiou have departed the club in the last 24 hours, and Anton told the players it was the hardest decision of his life; thanking all of the staff for their contribution, and he and Brian remain on good terms after meeting in person on Monday.

"Eamonn held a series of meetings throughout the day in preparation for Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture away to Manchester United, and he is scheduled to speak to the media later this week in the build-up to the game."

Reading have yet to name a replacement manager.