Reading boss Ruben Selles has called on the supporters to play their role as the 'number 13' despite a difficult situation at the club.

Retiring the shirt number 13 and giving it to the fans, Royals supporters have appeared on team sheets for over a decade as the squad's 'number 13' player.

Acknowledging the tough situation at the club, with the side under a fresh transfer embargo and fears of players not being registered by the EFL ahead of the season opener, Selles wants the fans behind them against Peterborough United on Saturday.

"I understand we are in a difficult situation, but I think the best thing is in front of us- to see this stadium as full as it can be," he said after Saturday's 4-0 loss to Swansea City. "As I said at the very beginning, we need their support. It is difficult but people are doing their best. For the moment it is not going to be easy, and we are not going to be ready from the very beginning, but we promise that we are going to be competitive. For that, we need our player 13, as I have understood from the shirt. We need them with us."

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Supporters are planning a 'sit-in' protest against owner Dai Yongge after the match with the Posh, however promise to back the players for the 90 minutes.