DAVE EDWARDS says the players can have no complaints at the Reading fans booing the side off in recent weeks.
While not widespread, some sections of the Madejski Stadium crowd have made their feelings known, notably at the end of Saturday’s 2-0 reverse against Middlesbrough.
But Edwards, who hopes to be recalled to the starting line-up tonight against Nottingham Forest (8pm) after remaining as an unused substitute at the weekend, says it is down to the players to lift the fans’ spirits.
“Any team in this situation will be getting booed at the end of games,” he said.
“We lost 2-0 at home and we’re on a bit of a bad run.
“Fans are entitled to boo and it’s up to us to make them start cheering again.
“It’s always players who lead the atmosphere and we’ve got to do that on a matchday.”
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Wales international Edwards, 31, has made six appearances for Reading since arriving from Wolves during the summer transfer window.
And the midfielder remains confident the squad can turn things around quickly as they
continue to slide towards the Championship relegation zone.
“I’ve been in situations like this before,” he said.
“It sounds a bit cliche, but it’s all about hard work.
“At times like this it’s just about everyone really sticking together, going that extra yard and doing absolutely everything we can in training and leave no stone unturned.
“That will give us the best possible chance to get a result on Tuesday night.
“We’re a confident group and we believe once we do get some results, we can string it together and the confidence can build.
“But at the moment, we’ve just got to win any way possible, whether it’s ugly or pretty football.”
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Yann Kermorgant could be set for a bigger role tonight after making his return from injury as a late substitute against Middlesbrough.
Tiago Ilori will miss out after suffering concussion, but has returned home after being taken to hospital after clashing with team-mate Liam Moore.
Leandro Bacuna is in line for a return to the squad after recovering from a knock he picked up against Sheffield United.
