By VINCE MADURI
Reading have fired head coach Brian McDermott following the club’s 2-1 home loss to Aston Villa on Saturday, leaving the relegation threatened Royals without a manager for the time being.
“The search for a successor will start immediately,” the club said in a statement. “It is hoped a new manager will be in place as soon as possible.”
“Owner Anton Zingarevich wishes to place on record his thanks to Brian. However, in our current situation, Anton Zingarevich felt that a change was necessary.”
McDermott had managed Reading since 2009 and posted a 76-43-50 record at the club.
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USWNT ADVANCE TO ALGARVE CUP FINAL
The United States Women’s National Team advanced to the final of the Algarve Cup following a 1-1 draw with Sweden Monday in Portugal.
Alex Morgan scored the lone goal for the US in the 56th minute off a Megan Rapinoe corner kick. The goal tied up the match at one apiece and the score would not change the rest of the way.
The championship match will be played Wednesday, March 13 against Germany at a time to be determined later.
RIO FERDINAND AWAITS FA DECISION REGARDING TORRES CLASH
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand may face punishment from the FA following an incident involving Chelsea striker Fernando Torres.
Ferdinand appeared to trip, then push Torres in the back during the 86th minute of their FA Cup quarterfinal showdown.
The FA have stated they plan on taking another look at the incident before deciding which, if any, action to take against Ferdinand.
Manchester United had taken an early 2-0 lead on their London rivals, but could not close the game out. Chelsea went on to tie the match and force a replay at Stamford Bridge on a yet to be determined date.