Reading boss does not expect Premier League struggle

Reading boss Brian McDermott is convinced his side are capable of surviving in the Premier League despite spending only moderately in the summer.

The Royals have paid out just £5m to bring seven new players to the club since winning the Championship in May.

McDermott believes a lack of big money signings will not hamper Reading's attempts to stay in the top-flight.

Readings summer signings

  • Danny Guthrie from Newcastle
  • Pavel Pogrebnyak from Stuttgart
  • Pierce Sweeney from Bray
  • Nicky Shorey from West Brom
  • Chris Gunter from Nottingham Forest
  • Adrian Mariappa from Watford
  • Garath McCleary from Nottingham Forest

"We don't think we've spent vast amounts but we think we've signed the right players," he said.

"The players that we've identified, we've got in. Whatever the money situation, we've said, 'This is what it's going to cost', and we've done it."

Reading's new owner Anton Zingarevich has been working closely with McDermott as they prepare for the new season.

The pair have discussed copying Stoke's model of buying cautiously and rebuilding the squad slowly.

That approach has seen the Potters become a Premier League regular since their promotion in 2008.

McDermott said: "When I first met Anton, we spoke about Tony Pulis and we spoke about Stoke and that model and how well they've done.

"Not only have they survived, but they've got to an FA Cup final, they've played in Europe, they've brought in some really big players over the years.

"So, it's a really good model for us to follow."