The Royals were relegated after two years in the Barclays Premier League on the final day of the season, but he believes the experience in the squad can help them come back up.

He told the club's official website: "The manager's been there and done it, he knows what's required. The same applies to the squad and the players - the squad hasn't changed much.

"That the squad hasn't changed has been a criticism of us, we have to accept that and learn the lessons. The core group has gone up, they know what's required and I hope that stands us in good stead.

"There will be changes, we all expect that, it's a natural course of action for that to happen.

"Like I say, I feel that core group know what is required and that can be very important going forward."

www.readingfc.co.uk