Albion's Championship rivals Reading have appointed Steve Clarke as their new manager.

The club moved swiftly following the sacking of Nigel Adkins.

Twelve months ago Clarke was axed by West Brom but he has now returned to management in the second tier after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Royals.

He takes over a side who are 16th in the Championship table following Saturday's 6-1 thrashing at Birmingham, a result which spelled the end of Adkins' tenure at the Madejski Stadium.

Clarke's first away game will be against Albion on Boxing Day at the Amex.