Royals boss Adkins sees quick return to top flight

Fulham 2 Reading 4

The Royals romped to the Championship title under Brian McDermott last season, but their top-flight stay has lasted just a season, with relegation already confirmed.

The Royals are not going quietly though, and on Saturday secured their first win since February 2.

“The important thing is that the squad here won the Championship last year,” Adkins said after his first win as Royals boss.

“Obviously we want to play in a certain manner, but it has got to be winning football. The players sampled the Championship last year so I’d like to think that gives us a good opportunity with the stability that we’ve already got at the club to look to strive to keep improving on what we’ve got.

“It is about winning — we are all aware of that.

All four goals were scored by members of the Championship-winning side, with a Hal Robson-Kanu brace complemented by Adam Le Fondre and Jem Karacan strikes.

However, it remains to be seen if those players will be at the club in August.