Veljko Paunovic issues verdict on his Reading FC future amid planned protests

Reading manager Veljko Paunovic has refused to walk away from his current side, stating to Reading.Today that he’s determined to fight until the end following their 2-1 defeat against Bristol City last night.

The Royals have been in a terrible run of form recently, failing to win any of their last ten competitive matches in a run stretching back to November and losing their last seven, a disastrous run of results that have cranked up the pressure on the Serbian.

Last month, owner Dai Yongge gave his full backing to the 44-year-old despite their poor run of results, winning just one point from a possible 18 during a torrid January period, conceding seven against Fulham and losing to non-league outfit Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup.

Last night’s result kept the Berkshire club just one point above the relegation zone with 22nd-placed Peterborough United having a game in hand over Paunovic’s men, with Derby County also on the rise as they look to pull off a miraculous escape under Wayne Rooney.

With protests planned against his stewardship on Saturday when they return to the Select Car Leasing Stadium to face Coventry City, some managers may have walked away from the job by now.

But the 44-year-old is determined to battle on until the bitter end, providing journalists with a very clear verdict on his future as he spoke after yesterday evening’s tie at Ashton Gate.

He said: “I’m going to be here, if it depends on me.

“I will keep fighting. Whenever the time comes to an end, I will know that I have tried my best.”

The Verdict:

Paunovic’s time at Reading is up – it has to be after such a run of poor performances and results.

However, he looks set to remain in the job for the foreseeable future and this is why many fans