91Èȱ¬

New Reading manager Nigel Adkins says his side will "scrap" for the wins they need to ensure Premier League survival and must "dare to dream".

Former Southampton boss Adkins was appointed on Tuesday and takes charge of a club seven points from safety with eight games to go.

"We've got to believe we can do it," Adkins told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Berkshire.

"We will scrap. It's about the here and now. Do we dare to dream we can win the games we need to stay up? We have to."

He added: "It's a good club. We're in the Premier League and we want to stay there. I am excited."

Adkins was sacked as Southampton manager in January and confirmed his dismissal was in the hands of the League Managers' Association, before adding: "I`ve not made any comments since I left Southampton and I want to take the opportunity to thank all the people there.

"I thank the fans, the players and supporters. We were on a fantastic journey but we have to move on now."

At Reading he succeeds Brian McDermott, who was sacked in March, and Adkins confirmed he spoke to McDermott before taking the job at the Madejski Stadium.

"Brian has told me this is a great football club, with talented players and a great spirit," said Adkins.

"He is a top, top man. I had to think long and hard but I'm coming to a club with great spirit."

His first game in charge will be at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Saturday, before his former side Saints visit Berkshire for his first home game in charge.

But Adkins refused to be drawn on the significance of that fixture and also rejected suggestions he had met Leeds United before deciding to join the Royals.

"I am looking to the future," he said. "I've had two months out and gone around Europe. I'm excited about the future and passionate about playing football.

"The players here have unbelievable spirit and they're a good group of players. The Premier League is a great place to be."

Reading owner Anton Zingarevich, who has been criticised for not spending more on new players in the summer, said he would fully support Adkins before taking a swipe at former manager McDermott.

"There was always a budget and we should have done more in January," said the Russian. "We tried to sign players but we weren't active enough.

"We are happy and that is the only thing I want to talk about. [Adkins] is the man for the job.

"We have a good chance to stay in the Premier League as we have winnable games left."