Reading chairman John Madejski believes his team have what it takes to win their battle for Barclays Premier League survival.

Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Everton was the Berkshire club's sixth in a row and leaves them in the bottom three.

But Madejski believes Steve Coppell and his players can retain their top flight status - and called on fans to get behind the manager.

He told Sky Sports News: "It's totally unfounded to question the manager - Reading fans should get behind the team at this moment in time."

Reading's last win came on December 22 against Sunderland - when referee Steve Tanner, having consulted with a linesman, ruled Stephen Hunt's shot had crossed the line before Black Cats goalkeeper Craig Gordon got to it.

And Madejski believes luck has deserted the Royals - and they are paying the price.

He added: "Sometimes things conspire against you for a wee while - but there is spirit in the camp and the kind of football we are playing is good - Sir Alex Ferguson is backing us to stay up.

"We have great talent and determination and we will get out of this situation."

More news from SportingLife.com