Adkins plots escape route

New manager Nigel Adkins says he is relishing the challenge of keeping relegation-threatened Reading in the Premier League.

The 48-year-old was on Tuesday confirmed as the successor to Brian McDermott at the Madejski Stadium and has signed a contract until the summer of 2016.

Adkins was dismissed by Premier League rivals Southampton in January and is charged with the task of preserving the Royals' top-flight status. Reading are quoted 1.071 in the 'to be relegated' market and 1.53 to finish bottom.

The former physiotherapist said the circumstances of his sacking at St Mary's was "in the hands of the League Managers' Association" but stressed it was time draw a line in the sand.

"I've not made any comments since I left Southampton and I want to take the opportunity to thank all the people there," Adkins told a press conference.

"I thank the fans, the players and supporters. We were on a fantastic journey but we have to move on now."

Adkins' first game in charge sees second-from-bottom Reading - currently seven points adrift of safety - make the trip to take on top-four chasers Arsenal on Saturday.

He added: "I am pleased to be the Reading manager. We will take it one game at a time and try and keep this club in the Premier League.

"It's a good club, I've been impressed with them and I've always known what sort of club it is. We're in the Premier League and we want to stay there. I am excited."

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