SPECULATION regarding the future of Steve Clarke has been cranked up this evening, with it widely reported the Reading boss is close to taking up the vacant manager’s position at Fulham.
The 52-year-old has been linked with the Craven Cottage hot-seat over the past few days, but the odds on him becoming Kit Symons’ successor plummeted massively earlier today, and according to some bookmakers, Clarke is now 12/1 on to take over at Reading’s Championship rivals.
He is understood to head a three-man shortlist for the job which also includes former Leicester City boss Nigel Person and Paul Tisdale, who is developing a growing reputation down at Exeter City.
Some media outlets, though, have even gone as far to suggest Fulham are now in the process of discussing personal terms with the former West Bromwich Albion manager
But the club, who currently sit four points behind Reading in the standings, would have to agree a compensation fee for Clarke with his employers before his departure can be secured.
#FFC close to making Steve Clarke their new head coach. I understand personal terms being discussed. Compensation for #ReadingFC complicated
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) November 18, 2015
Reading are refusing to comment on the matter.
Fulham have been looking for a new manager since axing Symons following the 5-2 loss at home against Birmingham City on November 8, but could now be closing in on his replacement.
Should Clarke decide to walk out of Madejski Stadium and return to west London, where his name is synonymous with another team in that part of the capital, Chelsea, it would most likely come as a disappointment to both the club’s Thai owners and supporters.
Since his appointment as manager back in December 14 the Scotsman, who helped steer Reading away from the threat of relegation last season, steering the club to a 19th place finish, had been given the support and financial backing to overhaul his squad over the summer.
Bringing in 13 new players during the close season, the new-look team enjoyed a flying start to the season, breaking into the Championship’s top three following impressive victories over Ipswich Town, Burnley and Middlesbrough.
A recent dip in form, however, has seen Royals go five matches without a win, dropping down to eighth in the standings.
Reading return to action this Saturday following the international break when they host struggling Bolton at Madejski Stadium (3pm).
