We're a work in progress - Reading boss Richardson

Reading manager Leam Richardson has described his side as "a work in progress" as they head towards a top-half finish in League One.

The Royals had targeted the play-offs after missing out by one place and three points last season, but sacked Noel Hunt in October with the side 19th.

Richardson won 13 of his opening 26 matches to steer Reading into the top six, before just two points from their last five games saw them drop to 10th and miss out again.

"We know we're a work in progress", Richardson told BBC Radio Berkshire following Saturday's 1-1 draw at Rotherham.

"We know we're starting from a foundation of what we've got, and we'll continue to do that and continue to try and improve, evolve and get better.

"The last few weeks there's been a frustration around the place because without hope, you've got nothing. Its my job to motivate them.

"We collectively gave everyone hope to get in the play-offs and then we have nothing. But now we have to look forward and be optimistic."

Despite Reading having up to 14 players injured in the final month of the season, half of the squad for the Rotherham game were Royals academy graduates.

Jeriel Dorsett and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, both 22, started the game, whilst Kelvin Abrefa, also 22, and 19-year-olds Sean Patton and Emmanuel Osho, the latter the younger bother of another Reading graduate Gabriel Osho, came off the bench.

"We know there's a big history and a heritage at this club of producing players," Richardson said.