STEVEN Reid may have watched last season’s historic FA Cup run from a distance, but he believes it is a sign of what Reading Football Club are capable of.

The new Royals coach, right, watched on with interest as Steve Clarke took Reading to within touching distance of upsetting Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

It will be a new look Reading side that starts the Championship campaign at Birmingham City on Saturday, August 8, but Reid believes the spirit shown in that cup run can inspire the Royals.

“It was a great FA Cup run last year and showed what a lot of these players are capable of on their day,” he said.

“The aim for everyone now is to return to the Premier League sooner rather than later.

“It’s only a few years ago that this team were in the Premier League and that’s got to be the aim again.

“Getting momentum is important in the Championship and it’s important to try and get that early on.

“With the quality I’ve seen so far first-hand, the squad should be more than capable of competing in the top half and beyond that. It’s important to get off to a good start.” Reid – who has only been at the club for two weeks – has first-hand experience of Stephen Quinn from international squads and he was quick to praise the new Royals midfielder.

“It’s great to get faces through the door as that’s what the fans love to see,” he added. “It gives the supporters and us a buzz, and we’re delighted.

“I was in a couple of Ireland squads with Stephen.

“He’s a fantastic addition, he’s been a key member of Hull’s squad over the past few years and I’m sure they’d have loved to have kept him.

“But we’re delighted he chose to join us and hopefully with one or two more additions over the course of the summer, it can be a real competitive squad that goes on to do well next season.” STEVEN Reid may have watched last season’s historic FA Cup run from a distance, but he believes it is a sign of what Reading Football Club are capable of.

The new Royals coach, right, watched on with interest as Steve Clarke took Reading to within touching distance of upsetting Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

It will be a new look Reading side that starts the Championship campaign at Birmingham City on Saturday, August 8, but Reid believes the spirit shown in that cup run can inspire the Royals.

“It was a great FA Cup run last year and showed what a lot of these players are capable of on their day,” he said.

“The aim for everyone now is to return to the Premier League sooner rather than later.

“It’s only a few years ago that this team were in the Premier League and that’s got to be the aim again.

“Getting momentum is important in the Championship and it’s important to try and get that early on.

“With the quality I’ve seen so far first-hand, the squad should be more than capable of competing in the top half and beyond that. It’s important to get off to a good start.” Reid – who has only been at the club for two weeks – has first-hand experience of Stephen Quinn from international squads and he was quick to praise the new Royals midfielder.

“It’s great to get faces through the door as that’s what the fans love to see,” he added. “It gives the supporters and us a buzz, and we’re delighted.

“I was in a couple of Ireland squads with Stephen.

“He’s a fantastic addition, he’s been a key member of Hull’s squad over the past few years and I’m sure they’d have loved to have kept him.

“But we’re delighted he chose to join us and hopefully with one or two more additions over the course of the summer, it can be a real competitive squad that goes on to do well next season.”