Jose Gomes firmly believes Reading can still challenge for Championship promotion in the wake of his axing as Reading boss.

Gomes left the club this week after a poor run of results ultimately cost the Portuguese his job in the Madejski hotseat.

In a statement on LMA Managers, Gomes said: "I strongly believe that the quality of the players that the club has at its disposal is sufficient to finish the season in the battle for promotion. Needless to say, I would have loved to have been given the opportunity to continue our work here with most of the season still ahead of us.

"I feel proud to be able to say that, right from day one, I put all my effort into achieving success and did everything that was needed to gradually take the club to its rightful place.

"However, I understand the world of football and accept the decision taken by the club, about which I will never have a bad workd to say and to whom I will forever be grateful for giving me the chance to work in English football."