New Reading manager Paul Clement says he is fully confident he will keep the Royals in the Championship this season.
The former Derby County and Swansea City boss was unveiled as Jaap Stam’s successor on Friday afternoon having been handed a three-year deal, but faces a tough task to keep Reading afloat.
The Royals have won just one of their last 18 league fixtures since November and sit only three points clear of the relegation zone.
“There was no hesitation on my part to come here and as soon as the opportunity became available, we wanted to make it happen,” said Clement.
“I’m fully confident that this club is going to be in the Championship, actually I have no doubt that we will be.
“We’ve got eight games to go, we’re going to win a good amount of those and we’re going to be playing the Championship next year.”
Chief executive Ron Gourlay added: “Things have been moving very, very quickly in the last 24 hours.
“I’m absolutely delighted to formally introduce first team manager Paul Clement.
“It’s been a tough week and a tough couple of days. Myself and the owners are absolutely delighted to secure somebody with the pedigree of Paul.
“Paul has come in for the long term. We’re a forward looking club and we’ve got a forward looking manager. That’s very, very important to us.”
Reading also confirmed today that assistant boss Andries Ulderink and first team coach Said Bakkati have also left the club but Dave Beasant and Michael Gilkes will continue in their roles.
