Director Of Football Nick Hammond takes heart from the fact that the Royals know full well how to get promoted out of the Championship.

After our relegation out of the Premier League, Nick is comforted by the fact that many of the squad were here when we got promoted in 2006, and know what it takes.

Of course, Steve Coppell and the coaching staff are also well versed in success in the Football League.

Nick told Reading World, "The manager's been there and done it, he knows what's required. The same applies to the staff 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 requited 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 the core group know what is required and that can be very important going forward."