SCOTT Marshall believes new Reading FC boss Jose Gomes will inherit a squad that many Championship managers would love to work with.

Marshall’s final game as caretaker boss ended in a 1-0 home defeat to Middlesbrough on Saturday leaving Royals 21st in the table and out of the bottom three purely on goal difference.

Gomes watched the match from the Madejski Stadium stands before his appointment was confirmed shortly after the final whistle.

The 48-year-old Portuguese, who spoke to local media afterwards to set out his immediate plans, took training for the first time today (Monday) in the build-up to the trip to Millwall on Boxing Day (3pm ko).

And Marshall believes the former Rio Ave coach has plenty of talent at his disposal.

“There are some very good players around the club,” he declared. “A lot of managers would like to work with some of those names you see on the back of the match programme.

“I’m sure he will be encouraged by what he’s got to work with.”

“He may pick my brains, we will see how that transpires, but it makes sense doesn’t it.

“He’ll be keen to get as much information as he can from all sources to try and make some good decisions.

“But there are good players here and we’re seeing some spirit and togetherness. The boys are ready to work and they have to stick together and keep moving forward.

“There are a lot of games coming up and Millwall just around the corner and a fantastic game on Boxing Day.

“The lads have to focus their minds because there are a lot of points to fight for. They were gutted after the game on Saturday so I told them not to dwell on things and to bounce back quickly.”

Marshall will now return to his previous role as manager of the successful Under 23s side.

He collected one point from his three games as interim boss with a 1-1 draw at Rotherham along with home defeats to Sheffield United and Boro.

He reflected: “I’ve really enjoyed the experience and getting to know the lads, it’s been positive all round.

“Nigel Gibbs (assistant manager), Michael Gilkes (first-team coach) and Dave Beasant (goalkeeper coach) were put in quite a difficult situation I would suggest. They were really professional and supported me throughout which was fantastic.

“I enjoyed being on the front line and the nerves jangling. It’s been an enjoyable experience.

“There was a real spirit and determination across the group and I’ve enjoyed the players’ professionalism all the way through.”

“The Championship is really competitive and there’s great quality. People talk about getting to the Premier league and people have their eye on that, it’s ferociously competitive.

“We’re at the wrong end of the table so the focus will be on getting a few wins and building something.”