Steve to Copp-a-load of Cash

Nicky Hammond has again emphasised that Royals boss Steve Coppell will be given money to spend come January.

The Reading director of football has stressed that new signings will be a priority in the new year, as the Royals look to pull away from a potential relegation dog-fight.

With continuous talk of 'second season syndrome', Reading will be looking to ensure a comfortable finish to their second season in the top flight.

After a recent meeting with the board of directors, Hammond has been assured that funds will be available in January.

He told the official club website; 'The board were very receptive and we have again been assured that financial support will be there.

'With the January window less than a fortnight away, we have started to home in on specific targets and conversations with clubs are progressing.

'We have a very firm idea of what we'd like to do.

'A lot of different factors come into play and there is a lot of work to be done, but we are focussed on bringing the deals to a positive conclusion.'

With Coppell himself admitting that the squad needs strengthening, January could prove to be a very busy month for the Reading boss.