Reading have been docked six points for breaches of financial fair play rules, with a further six points suspended.
The Royals had only been three points behind Blackpool but have now dropped down to 19th – three points above the bottom three.
The point deduction comes after Derby County were hit with a nine-point penalty after already being docked 12 points for being placed into administration.
The Rams have been left glued to the bottom of the table – 18 points from safety.
Here are the best of today's rumours...
1. Besiktas eyeing move for Sheffield United forward
Besiktas are reportedly interested in signing Sheffield United striker Lys Mousset in January. The 25-year-old's contraxt expires in the summer and the Turkish club want him on the cheap. (TEAMtalk) Photo: George Wood
2. Posh slap £4m price-tag on main man
Peterborough United have slapped a £4 million price-tag on Siriki Dembele to ward off January interest from the likes of Celtic, Rangers and Fulham. The winger's contract expires next summer. (Football Insider) Photo: Harriet Lander
3. Nottingham Forest linked with Tottenham Hotspur midfielder
Nottingham Forest could make a move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Bowden, who is currently on loan at Oldham Athletic. The 20-year-old has made 15 appearances this season. (The 72) Photo: Paul Harding
4. Rams' captain could leave for free in January
Derby County are reportedly considering allowing captain Tom Lawrence to leave on a free in January as they preprae for life in League One. The Rams have been deducted 21 points in the Championship and currently sit 18 points from safety. (Daily Mail) Photo: Ashley Allen
5. Cardiff City reject Premier League six-figure bid for teen
Cardiff City reportedly rejected a six-figure bid from Leeds United for 17-year-old Cian Ashford in the summer. The Whites are among a host of clubs that could attempt to sign the teenager in the near future. (WalesOnline) Photo: Dan Mullan
6. Leeds United chasing Middlesbrough midfielder
Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Middlesbrough's Marcus Tavernier in January The 22-year-old is originally from the home of the Whites. (TEAMtalk) Photo: Nigel Roddis