Clarke set for Fulham post

What started as whispers a few days ago has now turned into a fully fledged report with a national newspaper claiming Reading boss Steve Clarke will leave the club tomorrow.

Clarke looks set to be unveiled by Fulham later today after Reading cancelled their weekly press conference scheduled for this morning.

Fulham have moved for the 52-year-old ahead of other contenders including Nigel Pearson, the former Leicester manager, and Uwe Rosler, who were also on their shortlist.

He also guided them to Championship survival and this season has taken them to the brink of the play-off places.

Clarke spent 11 years as a Chelsea player and later served the club as a coach and assistant manager.

The Dons go into the game one place and one point above the relegation places, while Fulham are now mid-table.

Symons was axed with Fulham 12th in the Championship after winning just two of their last eight games.

After sacking Symons earlier this month, Fulham owner Shahid Khan said he wanted the new manager to take the club to a “higher level of success”.

Odds on Clarke leaving Madejski Stadium tumbled dramatically from 25/1 to 4/6 with Bet Victor, sending Royals fans into a panic last night.

Mike Rigg, the club’s chief football officer, has been leading the search for the new manager and he believes Clarke is the man for the job.