Reading boss Ruben Selles has issued a rallying cry to any stay-away supporters, urging them to come out and back the squad which is 'representing the town in the best way possible.'

Amid an ongoing ownership crisis and a drawn-out saga with Dai Yongge, crowds have plateaued at around 12,000 for Saturday matches, barely half of the capacity of the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

In League One, the Royals are outside of the play-offs on goal difference and have an almost impeccable home record this season.

On Sunday, non-league Harborough Town visit Berkshire in the FA Cup second round and while the Bees have sold 3,500 tickets, the hosts have barely matched their visitors and the stadium is not far off 50-50 this weekend.

Round one against Fleetwood Town saw less than 5,000 supporters turn out, the lowest for a competitive fixture on a weekend since moving stadium in 1998.

(Image: ©Jason Dawson)

Understanding that supporters are unhappy and disillusioned with the club, the popular Spaniard has called on any staying away to come out and back the players.

"The best thing this football club has right now is the players, a team and the football. If there is anything about not going because they don’t want to support part of it, I think they need to forget that and come and support the boys. It is very difficult to find a team that is honest in their effort and give 100 per cent- but that is what we are. We can win or lose football matches, but the team represents the city [town] and fans in the best way possible.

"If somebody has some thoughts about not coming and supporting because of what happens around us, I will just say come and support us because those boys are giving absolutely everything and we’re in a position where we are winning more than we are losing."

Away from home, the Royals continue to rank among the best supported teams and average more than 1,000 per match. Last season saw the club in the top five for travelling fans.