Reading manager Nigel Adkins has declared that the club's early summer transfer business has helped instil a positive atmosphere ahead of their promotion campaign.

Adkins has moved quickly to sign three players in the close season, recruiting former England international Wayne Bridge, Dutch winger Royston Drenthe and USA midfielder Danny Williams.

The Royals boss believes that he has added quality and character to his squad, creating a feel-good factor at the Madejski Stadium in the process.

He told the Reading Post: "They are three excellent additions and we've got Alex Pearce as well who's just signed a new contract.

"We've got excellent players here at Reading and now we've brought in three new characteristics in different positions. They will enhance what we've got.

"The club has invested well so far this summer. A team that has just been relegated sometimes finds it challenging, but towards the end of last season there was a change in feel-good factor even through results didn't go our way. There is a positivity around the place, and that's good to see."

Adkins is aiming to earn an instant return to the Premier League in his first full season as Reading coach, after replacing Brian McDermott in March.