BOWEN VOWS FOR ‘HEALTHIER, BRIGHTER FUTURE’

“If I’d have been playing in this team, some of the things you do, I’d be right on you because you wouldn’t get away with it, but you seem to let them get away with it and no-one says a word. That’s about leadership qualities and character.

“If people are making bad decisions, then get onto them, don’t just say it’s okay to do that because it’s not.

“The only voice you could probably hear on the pitch was Dannsy (Scott Dann) and I’m thinking wow, some of the things we’re doing.

“We all make mistakes, me more than most, but some of the decision-making.

“It can’t always come from me, it’s got to come from the players on the pitch because ultimately they cost us time and time again. They’re costing us time and time again.”

Ince admitted that his side were fortunate to still be in the match with 10 minutes to go when Ehibhationmhan levelled in the 83rd minute, but was left frustrated at the way they lost the match.

Ince continued: “I’m really frustrated. The boys are fighting for their lives.

“Joe (Lumley) kept us in the game and made some wonderful saves.

“We didn’t deserve it (the draw) and we rode our luck. You get that luck and think ‘let’s see it out’.

“There’s nothing you can do about it as a manager.

“The threat of relegation has always been there as long as the six points has been hanging over our head. The timing is diabolical.

“We’re still in it. We can surprise teams. We haven’t got depth which makes it tough. Who knows what can happen.”

When questioned about his future at the club, Ince remained adamant that he is the right man to try and keep the team in the league.

“If you bring someone else in I’m not sure what’s going to change.

“It’s not like the lads aren’t fighting.

“I’ve got absolutely no qualms about that. We’re in this position we’ve been put into.

“You’ve got to think how unfair that is to me and the players.

“You could get Pep (Guardiola) in here, you could get Klopp in here. It wouldn’t be any different.”

READING brighter future’ for the club in the summer.

The Royals decided to terminate Paul Ince’s contract as manager with five games left in the Championship season and the team currently in the relegation places.

Reading are one point off safety having gone eight games without a win in the league.

Bowen has stated that the club will begin its search for a new boss at the end of the season, while under 21s manager Noel Hunt has been placed in charge of the first-team until the end of the current campaign.

““I would like to thank Paul and Alex for their efforts throughout what has admittedly been a frustrating and exceptionally challenging season so far,” said Bowen.

“We would like to wish them well in their future endeavours.

“The board will work diligently to identify the manager who is the best fit for this football club going forward – a candidate capable of driving it towards a healthier, brighter future.

“However, for the next five games, our only focus is on doing everything we can to survive this season.

“Put simply, that means everyone –from myself, to the staff, to the supporters –lending all their support to Noel, Eddie, James and the first team players as we go into five crucially important games at the end of our 2022-23 campaign.”