Steve Clarke back in Fulham contention after Reading axe?

Steve Clarke has been installed as the second favourite to take charge of Fulham after being sacked as Reading boss.

The 52-year-old was shown the Madejski Stadium exit on Friday morning, just a fortnight after performing a surprise U-turn and rejecting the Cottagers' advances.

A run of one win in their last eight, culminating in a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Queens Park Rangers, led to Reading dismissing the Scotsman almost exactly a year on since he was appointed.

Clarke is now among the leading contenders with many bookies to succeed Kit Symons as Fulham manager, despite turning down the West London outfit following unsuccessful talks last month.

Stuart Gray remains the favourite for the vacant job, while Mark Warburton and Nigel Pearson are also thought to be in contention.