Nigel Adkins has Reading owners' support - Nicky Hammond

Nigel Adkins previously managed Southampton, Scunthorpe United and Bangor City

Reading director of football Nicky Hammond says manager Nigel Adkins continues to have the full support of the club's executive board.

Hammond also says despite a "tricky" start to the season there has been no mention of replacing Adkins as boss.

"We all know managers are judged on results," Hammond told BBC Berkshire.

"But he has the support of myself, everyone at the training ground, and I don't sense any lack of support for him at executive level of the club."

He added: "Have there been discussions about the managers job? No."

The Royals are currently 14th in the Championship, having beaten Norwich 2-1 last weekend, and Hammond says he admires the job Adkins has done in difficult circumstances.

A Thai consortium took Reading over in September after former owner Anton Zingarevich left the club in June 2014.

The delay in finding new owners meant Adkins transfer plans were disrupted.

"It's been a tricky start to the season," Hammond added.

"Things have been well documented here over the past two years in terms of the changes, but I am hopeful we are moving in the right direction with the new owners - they have been terrifically supportive.

"They only really took over after the transfer window closed. It's a new relationship but I am very confident with it.

Hammond added he believes Adkins should be credited for concentrating on football matters despite the off-the-field turmoil of the past year.

"I think he's done a very good job for this club," Hammond said.

"I was involved in the process when we were looking for a new manager at a very difficult time, so I understand what he thought he was coming into and the probable reality of it.

"I think the level of respect he has had for the club and the way he has conducted himself through that period has been of the highest order.

"At no point has he been critical or said things he could have done. I have massive respect for him."