Reading goalkeeper Rafael Cabral has directed a heartfelt Instagram post at Jose Gomes following the manager's departure from the Royals on Wednesday afternoon.

Gomes was sacked by Reading after a disappointing start to the season which has left the club sitting third from bottom in the Championship after wining just two of the first 11 league matches.

The Portuguese delivered success last season as he kept the Royals afloat in the Championship after taking over in December with the club in a perilous position, but he has been unable to carry this success into the new season.

Reading made a number of high-profile recruits during the summer transfer window as they spent over £10million on a new strike force in Lucas Joao and George Puscas, while they also brought in the likes of Ovie Ejaria and Rafael.

Rafael joined the club from Sampdoria towards the end of the transfer window, and the 29-year-old has since made 10 appearances for the Royals with five of these ending in defeat.

The former Brazil international has now paid tribute to Gomes

/B3aJXQalQ5n/">via an Instagram post, as he described him as one of the "most amazing" people he has met during his time in football.

The Royals have now started the search for Gomes' replacement after deciding to cut ties with the Portuguese and they will aim to appoint their new manager as soon as possible, according to Sky Sports Transfer Centre (09/10, 16:19).

The Verdict

It is clear from this message that the Reading players held Gomes in extremely high regard, and they will be disappointed to see him leave the club as a result of the recent run of poor results.

Gomes had an enormously positive effect on the club following his appointment last December, as he had Reading playing an exciting brand of football and also managed to galvanise the club's fan base.

His impact has also been felt by the players with Rafael's tribute reflecting how much he respected Gomes as both a manager and as a person, despite the short time he spent playing under him at Reading.

The next manager will certainly have his work cut out to match the popularity of Gomes among the players and fans, while he will also have a big job on his hands to turn the club's fortunes around on the pitch.

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