Reading forward Sam Smith admitted that he was 'affected' by the club's off-field issues over the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old got off the mark for the season on Saturday, scoring the second in a 2-0 victory over previously unbeaten Charlton Athletic.

Originally breaking through the Academy system in 2017, the forward returned to the club last summer after impressing at Cambridge United.

Scoring 16 times last time out, the fan favourite has spoken in the past about being 'mis-sold' the club upon his return and 'changing facts.'

Back in January, the striker said: " 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."

Due to the club's inability to work in the transfer window, barring the last-minute loan arrival of Chem Campbell, Ruben Selles confirmed that no players would depart despite some having interest from other clubs.

Speaking after Saturday's win over the Addicks, Smith stated: "There is not much I can really say on the situation, but I will hold my hands up, it has affected me personally over the transfer window. It is closed now so we’ve got to keep everyone together and build on what we built last year.

"It’s been difficult but we have the backing of the fans and at the moment that is all that matters, especially the staff and players we have here now we just have to kick on."

There is hope that should Rob Couhig's takeover be confirmed soon, the free agent market remains open all year-round for some much-needed additions.

"We have a very young team- a hungry team that wants to push each other and work hard for the fans and the staff and the manager," Smith added. "We were hoping to get a few players through the door just to thicken out the squad but sometimes these things don’t happen, and we have to stick together as a football club and carry on riding these rough times. Hopefully, good times will come."