SAM Baldock admitted newly-appointed Reading FC manager Jose Gomes has plenty of work to do following Royals’ disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Middlesbrough.

The home side carved out plenty of chances but failed to make any of them pay before George Friend’s 77th minute strike sent Boro back to Teesside with three points.

Portuguese manager Gomes - as earlier reported by the Reading Chronicle - was announced as Paul Clement’s replacement shortly after the final whistle.

The 48-year-old penned a lucrative deal with Royals yesterday (Friday) and striker Baldock admitted: “There is a lot that he needs to address.

“There was a lack of goal-scoring threat or goal-scoring opportunity against Middlesbrough.

“We haven’t met him yet. We were informed just after 5pm in the dressing room.

“He needs to get us winning games. There’s more than one issue otherwise we wouldn’t be where we are.

“Nobody was expecting us to be where we are but we’re here because we haven’t been good enough.

“It’s an exciting time for the club and hopefully we can all thrive together.”

Royals remain outside of the relegation zone on goal difference.

Meanwhile, Boro’s victory sees Tony Pulis’ side move up to fourth place in the Championship.

Baldock continued: “We more than held our own and we’re disappointed not to take anything away from the game.

“There was a bit of confusion out wide and McNair got in too easily before being able to carry the ball into our box.

“When you play wing-backs, that’s the beauty of it. You have a left or right wing-back arriving late in a central position.

“It’s unfortunate for us.”

Reading’s Tyler Blackett had a golden opportunity to steal a point in front of new boss on the stroke of full-time.

The ball landed on his un-favoured foot however and Blackett could only scoop the ball over the crossbar.

But Baldock concluded: “It fell to his wrong foot.

“If it was on his left foot then I back him to put that away.”

Royals face Millwall away from home on Boxing Day.