Paul Ince says Reading FC owner "pleased" with club's progress

Reading FC manager Paul Ince says the club's owner is happy with the progress the club has made under his reign so far.

The Royals coach was appointed on an interim basis in February while the Berkshire club looked for a permanent successor following the departure of Veljko Paunovic.

Ince has won one match out of three and sit five points above the relegation zone with a game in hand however it is the emerging squad spirit that he says that the club's owner Dai Yongge is most impressed with.

He said: “I was with Dayong ( Reading FC chief executive) talking about a few things.

“The owner was at the game on Saturday and seemed quite pleased, obviously not with the result, but with how things are changing with the togetherness and spirit.

“It’s important to get on well with everyone.

“We’re in the situation we are in because of the 30 games in the past.

“This is a team that finished seventh in the league last year so something since then has gone drastically wrong, otherwise I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you guys I’d still be out playing golf.

“But something’s gone wrong and that’s why the team is where they are.

“We’ve got to get the belief in them that we can stay in this league because we have got good players.

“It’s about being structured and organised and not just playing expansive football where we get counter attacked all the time.”

The former England captain has brought in his own backroom staff since taking up the role
alongside academy manager Michael Gilkes.

Alex Rae has since joined the club as assistant manager while Mikele Leigertwood has joined the first team coaching staff after stepping up from his role as Under-18’s manager.

Ince refused to be drawn on his plans for next season.

“My future is irrelevant,” said Ince.

“It’s the future of this club, the fans, the community and the players that are going to be here next season.

“My future doesn’t matter. I’m not here for my future.”

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