• Premier League

Adkins named new Reading boss

Nigel Adkins has been confirmed as the successor to Brian McDermott as Reading's new manager.

Reading will present their new boss during a press conference at 9.15am on Tuesday morning.

Adkins was out of work following his controversial exit from Southampton earlier this season. He led Saints to back-to-back promotions as they returned to the top flight after a seven-year absence but was axed and replaced with Mauricio Pochettino.

The Reading position became available when the Royals parted company with Brian McDermott. The club identified a number of candidates, with Brighton's Gus Poyet also in the frame.

It emerged on Monday that Adkins was the favourite for the job and he has been confirmed as their new manager on a deal until the summer of 2016.

"This is an appointment we have made both with the short and long term in mind and Nigel can take our club forward," Royals owner Anton Zingarevich said. "I know our supporters have been keen to hear news over the past two weeks and I am certain they will join me in saying it was worth the wait. I wish Nigel and Andy nothing but good luck and now we focus on eight hugely important games in the Premier League."

Adkins faces a tough task to keep Reading in the Premier League as they currently sit one place off the foot of the table eight games from the end of the season, with Adkins set for a baptism of fire in his first two games in charge.

Next weekend's daunting trip to face a revived Arsenal at Emirates Stadium will be a prelude to a reunion with his former Southampton players in what is set to be his first home game in charge of Reading on April 6.

Bookmakers give Adkins little hope of saving Reading from the drop, with the Royals listed by most as favourites for relegation after losing their last six games in all competitions.

More to follow

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