Nigel Adkins relishing challenge of keeping Reading in Premier League

New Reading manager Nigel Adkins has admitted that he is "excited" to take on the challenge of keeping the Royals in the Premier League.

The Liverpool-born boss, who was sacked by Southampton in January following their promotion to the top flight, was appointed by the Royals this morning following the dismissal of Brian McDermott.

"We've got to believe, we've got to do it," Adkins said in a press conference. "I've joined Reading Football Club, I want to be in the Premier League. I'm really pleased and privileged to be the Reading manager. We have to have the belief and the desire to take one game at a time and make sure this football club stays in the Premier League, and that's what I've come to do.

"It's a good football club and when you look at it, we're in the Premier League and we've got to make sure that we remain in the Premier League. We have the stability here, there's a future looking forward and I'm excited at the prospect of being here.

"They're in there fighting and they've got a good spirit among themselves, they always have done. I'm looking forward to getting among the players and looking to the next game, which is Arsenal on Saturday."

The 48-year-old signed a contract lasting until the summer of 2016.