Reading striker Sam Smith has labelled the club a 'tough environment' to work at as off-field issues continue to plague the club.

Smith returned to the club over the summer after three years away, having risen through the ranks in Berkshire and made his professional debut for the club.

Scoring six goals in 14 League One appearances, supporters have taken Smith back to their hearts, becoming a true fan favourite.

However, the 25-year-old admitted that the club was not in the state that he expected to find it in when he signed a three-year deal in July.

Reading Chronicle:

Speaking immediately before the busy festive period, in which the club remained unbeaten, the forward said: "It is just disappointing. We came here thinking that there was a bigger picture and a plan, but at the moment it has been difficult with what is going on. I think things are out of the manager's and players’ control, so as a team we have to stick together as a club. Everyone knows what is going on on the outside, so we need to get the performances right on the pitch, get up the table and see what happens in the future.

"It's great to be back. It’s difficult when you’re told certain things and it’s not the same, but to play for this football club everyone knows how much it means to me. Every time I put the shirt on, I will try and put on a performance for everyone involved.

"It is difficult because when we came in we didn’t really know the situation and how bad it was. Everyone who has come in, and the players still here with the staff, want it to be resolved as quickly as possible. We don’t really know what is going on, so all we can focus on is performances on the pitch.

"I think the facts changed, that was the problem. We don’t really know what is going on and all we can do is try and get out of the situation we are in and stick together as a club."

Redundancies and points deductions have been the most discussed topics in Berkshire this season, with owner Dai Yongge dragging the club through the mud.

An EFL charge remains hanging over the club for paying HMRC late on multiple occasions.

Despite the off-field issues, Ruben Selles' side have lost just one game in seven and hauled themselves out of the relegation zone.