Reading manager Nigel Adkins has revealed that he has already challenged his players to make an immediate return to the Premier League.

The Royals were relegated to the Championship this afternoon as a result of a 0-0 draw with Queens Park Rangers, who have also been demoted.

However, rather than reflect on the disappointment of relegation, Adkins has instead turned his attention to next season.

"I have told the players to bottle up the feeling as it is never nice to get relegated, and make sure they never feel that way again," he told BBC Sport.

"We must now build for the future and learn the lessons well from this season. We have to regroup and put ourselves in a position to challenge to get back into the Premier League.

"For any new promoted team, it is a challenge to stay up. The Premier League is a ruthless division."

Adkins only took charge of Reading last month.

Written by
Liam Apicella