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Brian McDermott (pictured with Sir John Madejski) previously managed Reading between 2009 and 2013

Reading have appointed Brian McDermott as their new boss on a two-and-a-half year deal, just under three years after he was sacked by the Championship club.

The 54-year-old, who led the Royals to promotion to the Premier League in 2012, succeeds Steve Clarke.

"My gut feel was really important for coming back. It just felt right and I'll do everything I can to be successful," McDermott said.

He left Reading in March 2013 after just over three years in charge.

He rejoins the Royals, who are 13th in the Championship table and seven points outside the play-off places. Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Hull was the club's fourth in a row.

At the time ofone of the best and he knows the Championship inside out. He has contacts in the very highest places, and his loyalty at the Madejski Stadium is unquestioned. I wish him well and hope he can turn things round quickly."

Former AFC Wimbledon manager Terry Burton will join Reading as McDermott's assistant manager.

Chairman Sir John Madejski described McDermott's return as "the best Christmas present the club could have wished for".

"I'm proud we've got Brian back," he said. "He will get a great reaction from the fans on Sunday (against Blackburn)."

Return is 'gut feeling' - McDermott

McDermott first joined Reading as chief scout during Alan Pardew's spell in charge in 2000, having previously managed non-league sides Slough and Woking.

He first took charge as caretaker manager in December 2009, replacing Brendan Rodgers,