Reading manager Steve Clarke has this morning in his pre-match press conference given his reasons for turning down the vacant managerial role at Fulham to stay at the Madejski Stadium. 

Steve Clarke looked set to leave Reading yesterday, but a remarkable u-turn means he'll stay at the Madejski Stadium

The ex-Chelsea defender looked set to join the Cottagers at one point yesterday afternoon after meeting the club's hierarchy for talks with reference to the post recently vacated by the sacked Kit Symons.

Social media went into meltdown at one point with many Royals fans blasting Clarke for showing a lack of loyalty and desire to stay with the Berkshire-based club.

The boss, who will now remain at the Madejski Stadium for the foreseeable future, has spoken out on why he chose to stay put despite undergoing talks.

He told the media: 'I am here for the rest my contract I hope. It has been a strange week but I know I made the right decision.

'I understand the anger among supporters, but when someone is prepared to pay money to speak to me, it is something that as a professional I have to look at.

'I went to Fulham and decided what I had here was better for me. It wasn't about money - it was about ambition and professionalism. I didn't want to think what if.

'I have a better option to stay here and this was the best option for me by a mile.'

Reading will look to get out of their mini-rut tomorrow when they face struggling Bolton Wanderers at home on Saturday, and it remains to be seen as to what reaction Clarke will get from the home supporters.

Reading fans... what do you make of Clarke's comments? Can you forgive him? Has he done anything wrong in your eyes? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!