Pards told readingfc.co.uk "It's an unknown because most of these players have never played in Division One. I know what it's about – the power and the speed of the division is better, the tackling is harder and the commitment and professionalism of the players is better.
”Unless we rise to those sort of levels we'll struggle but one thing the players have done this year is take things on board, looked to improve, set themselves goals and looked to take their game forward. They need to do that again, there are a few who are relishing the challenge, a few will get found out and some will excel. We'll probably know after about ten games which is which.”
Meanwhile academy director and former Royals goalkeeper Nicky Hammond believes that because of the lack of money available for transfers there will be a chance for some of the younger players to shine.
He told readingfc.co.uk "I said to the boys in our last meeting that everyone's moaning about the ITV Digital money but for them it's an excellent opportunity. There won't be five or six new signings at clubs and the manager might look to the youth team, so I told the lads to come back next season and give themselves a chances, and I'm confident one or two might just do that.”