Leeds United have confirmed the appointment of former Reading boss Brian McDermott on a three-year deal with immediate affect.

Neil Warnock departed the club after the 2-1 defeat by Derby County at the start of the month.

McDermott was sacked by Reading in March after four successive Premier League defeats, despite taking the club to The Championship title last season.

Brian McDermott
McDermott looks likely to take over at Reading.

"Deputy chief executive of GFH Capital David Haigh said: "We are delighted to have appointed Brian as our manager. He is a man with a proven track record of success and shares our vision of the best way to return long terms and sustainable success to this great football club.

"Obviously the immediate aim is a return as soon as possible to the Premiership. Brian's success in taking Reading to the Premiership last year was a key factor in our decision to hire him."

After four successive league defeats, Leeds have fallen to within five points of the drop zone and face a crunch Yorkshire derby against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday but a tough run-in which sees them play promotion chasing Brighton and Hove Albion and Watford means the club face a battle during the remainder of the season to avoid relegation to League One.