Reading FC have announced the departure of manager Brian McDermott after a run of five straight defeats which have put the Berkshire club four points from safety in the Premier League and out of the FA Cup.

The decision comes in the wake of Saturday's 2-1 home loss to fellow strugglers Aston Villa FC which kept Reading second from bottom in the English top flight and followed league reverses against Stoke City FC, Wigan Athletic FC and Everton FC.

McDermott, 51, leaves the post after more than three years in charge. In his first full campaign he guided Reading to a 2010/11 promotion play-off in which his team were beaten by Swansea City AFC. They made amends last term by winning the Championship to earn a third season among England's elite after a two-year spell between 2006 and 2008.

Reading said on their website: "Owner Anton Zingarevich wishes to place on record his thanks to Brian who had achieved great success with the club since taking over as manager in December 2009."