Michael Morrison delivers verdict on impact of Paul Ince at Reading FC

Reading centre-back Michael Morrison believes his side have shown more grit and determination since Paul Ince’s arrival at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, speaking to the club’s official media team.

At the time of Ince’s arrival, the Royals had only won one of their last 12 league games and were heading for the relegation zone at that point in mid-February, but Derby County’s poor form over the past couple of months and the Berkshire outfit’s resurgence has secured safety for the latter with two league games to spare.

There have been low points during Ince’s short time in Berkshire with their 4-1 loss against Blackpool and 4-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest lowering morale in the second-tier side’s fanbase.

However, the highlights have been notable with their last-minute winner at Sheffield United and late equaliser against Swansea City three days later proving to be crucial in helping to steer the club to safety.

Last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at the MKM Stadium against Hull City was a reminder that their current interim manager’s tenure has been a mixed one though, so it remains to be seen whether the 54-year-old is given the top job on a permanent basis.

Still, Morrison believes they have added far more grit and determination during games, two key factors that have pushed the Royals to safety.

He said: “The boys have shown huge character and one of those things since I’ve been at Reading people have questioned the heart of some of the players, have they got it, they look a little bit soft.

“And I think over the course of the last eight weeks since the manager came in we have certainly shown a lot more grit and determination and that has enabled the fans to get behind the team and give them something to shout about and