Chris Gunter wants Reading to stick with Nigel Adkins

Reading captain Chris Gunter has said that sacking manager Nigel Adkins would be a big mistake.

The Royals boss has come under fire following Friday's 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City, which leaves the club three points above the relegation zone.

Gunter insists that sacking Adkins should be out of the question because the players are fully behind him.

"What this club doesn't need is to make a decision like that, it would be one of the worst things we could do," Gunter told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"The first thing I would say if there is any talk about the manager is play that tape of the second half [at Cardiff]. There were 10 players on the pitch that were doing everything they could for him, for the fans that travelled and the badge on the shirt.

"The manager has stuck with this club in some dark times over the past 12 months, There are things people don't know."

Adkins was appointed Reading boss in March 2013.