LEANDRO Bacuna admitted Reading FC have a huge decision to make as they search for Paul Clement’s successor.

Clement became the second manager to be shown the door by the Royals in the last 10 months after winning just four out of 21 Championship games this season.

Attempts have been made to lure Luis Castro to Madejski Stadium, but the 57-year-old last night decided to remain with Vito Guimaraes in the Portuguese top-flight.

Former Royals skipper and Bolton boss Phil Parkinson is now the clear favourite to take over the reins, though the Chronicle understands it is not a done deal as there are several stumbling blocks in the way.

Out-of-work bosses Steve Bruce and Slavisa Jokanovic are other potential candidates for the vacant Royals hotseat along with highly-rated Wycombe Wanderers manager, Gareth Ainsworth.

Reading hope to have made an official appointment before Saturday’s trip to Rotherham United, and midfielder Bacuna urged the club to get it right.

Speaking after Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Sheffield United that sent Royals into the relegation zone, he said: “It’s important that the club makes a good decision. The club needs a lift because it’s been a tough time.

“We have a lack of confidence. As soon as Sheffield United scored our heads dropped. We need to get everything sorted at the club and get going.”

Reading Chronicle:

Paul Clement left his role as Reading FC manager last week.

Clement had taken first-team training in the early part of last week and was preparing for the televised clash against the Blades.

But he informed the players he had been sacked last Thursday morning as they prepared for another training session at Hogwood Park.

Under 23s boss Scott Marshall and Nigel Gibbs were then put in caretaker charge and are planning for the trip to Rotherham this Saturday in case a new manager still hasn’t been found.

Bacuna admitted: “I have nothing against Paul (Clement). He trained us well and he is a very good manager.

“We feel guilty. It was a weird week but we have to continue. Managers get changed, it happens in football.

“’I’ve been through this situation before so I can use my experience and help the other players.

“The most important thing is for us players on the pitch to show passion and commitment.

“We haven’t played badly but we’re conceding too many goals. If we score three we also concede three.

“If we can’t keep clean sheets we can’t win games.”

Meanwhile, it has also emerged that transfer funds will be available for the next manager to spend in January, provided the squad is trimmed down.

Several first-team players are yet to make an appearance this season and could be among those told to find new clubs when the transfer window opens.