Royals Chairman John Madejski has given an upbeat assessment of the Club's general condition following the closure of the transfer window on Monday night.

He told readingfc.co.uk, "With the transfer window now closed, we are able to plan for the season ahead with a greater degree of certainty.

"We are happy with the depth and quality of our squad, and pleased that we have been able to keep key players such as Kevin Doyle, Stephen Hunt and James Harper.

"Some turnover in playing staff was inevitable after relegation, but we have been able to restrict the number of departures to a relative minimum. The early signs from the players who have joined during the summer have also been very positive."

The Chairman also clarified the Club's current financial state, saying, "Without being awash with cash, we have a relatively healthy financial situation compared to most Championship clubs.

"Two seasons in the Premier League have not left us with a huge surplus of cash, but have also not burdened us with the excessive debts that are faced by many clubs in our position.

"It is understandable that supporters will see transfer fees coming into the Club and naturally assume that all the money will be spent on replacements, but the truth is that the vast majority of the money we earned from the Premier League and transfer fees has already been invested.

"Since the start of our first Premier League season two years ago we have spent nearly £12m on new players, and another £7.5m in improving the infrastructure around the Club, including £1m apiece on reconstructing the pitch and developing the training ground.

"The 'parachute payment' from the Premier League helps to cover the players' wage bill, which has doubled since the last time we were in the Championship.

"Managing the finances in this way has allowed us to significantly reduce season ticket and match ticket prices, keep the majority of our key players, and continue to operate the structure of the playing side of the Club at Premier League standards this season.

"Those gate receipts contribute toward our continual support for Steve Coppell if he wishes to act in the January transfer market.

"We will not gamble with our future, as some clubs have done at great cost. Instead, and as we always have done, we are attempting to develop a club with a strong infrastructure that has long-term sustainability and is built on solid foundations."