Reading chairman Sir John Madejski wants a renaissance at Reading after beginning the process of finding a new manager.

Steve Coppell left the club after five and a half years in charge in the wake of Tuesday's Coca-Cola Championship play-off semi-final exit at the hands of Burnley.

"The club has now got to have a renaissance and we have now got to start rejigging the football club so we can move forward in a positive way," said Madejski

53-year-old Coppell guided Reading to the top flight for the first time in their history in 2006 before they were relegated last year.

First team coaches Wally Downes and Kevin Dillon have also left the club and Madejski believes it is time for a fresh outlook.

"As soon as it was announced Steve was going to leave we had an avalanche of applications. We will now be looking through those very carefully because Steve is a tough act to follow," added Madejski.

"We have to have a fresh outlook to where we go from here, we will be sifting through the many applications and get on with that process immediately.

"We have fantastic facilities and I'm sure we can attract the very best type of manager to come here. It's early days, Steve only left two days ago and that process of finding a new manager is now taking place."

Ian Holloway, Brendan Rodgers and Aidy Boothroyd have all been linked with the job but Madejski insists the board will not rush an appointment.

"The director of football Nicky Hammond will be sifting through the applications and we will get a list of candidates for interview," said Madejski.