Reading boss Adkins urges Pogrebnyak to lead promotion challenge

Reading manager Nigel Adkins has admitted that he is hopeful that Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak would be leading the Royals' promotion bid this season.

The Russia international had a disappointing campaign with Reading last term and was reported to be on his way out of the Madejski this summer. However, Adkins has always expressed his interest in keeping Pogrebnyak at the club.


"With the window open there was lots of speculation about Pavel leaving or whatever," Adkins told the club website.


"We've got an international Russian striker who has played in the Premier League and scored goals.


"It's fair to say he's had a disappointing period but it's a fresh start for him.


"We've had a conversation, we've done one-on-ones with the players this week.


"Again the mindset, the togetherness we need and the expectation of what is required is that we pull in the same direction and we get ourselves right to where we want to be.


"Maybe with the window closing now - it's human nature that people do move round - maybe some of the players that could have had outside influences will give it everything they've got for the football club."