STEVE Clarke accepts he will have to repair his relationship with the club’s Thai owners following talks with Fulham last week.

It is understood Reading FC co-chairperson Lady Sasima Srivikorn and her fellow Thai investors were extremely unhappy with Clarke’s decision to speak with the Cottagers.

Clarke eventually rejected a move to west London, though he accepts the incident may have angered the club’s owners.

“I had a chat with the board and I’m not going to say everything is fine,” Clarke admitted.

“Obviously they are a little disappointed with the way things transpired, but there is no problem.

“Everyone is focussed on the future and getting Reading into the Premier League.

“There will always be a little bit of disappointment, but the board are right behind me.”

He added: “They board have been very supportive to me and I think they understand why I spoke to another club.

“I’m sure there are a lot of managers in the Championship wishing their club would show them a bit of loyalty.

“It’s a very precarious profession and that’s one of the reasons why you have to explore all options when they arise.

“You have to make the right decision and follow your head and your heart. That’s what I did and I’m still working for Reading Football Club.”

Royals chief executive Nigel Howe believes the best way for Clarke to repair any damage is to continue winning matches on the pitch.

“The owners needed to get their heads around how British football works and how managers can be approached by other clubs,” explained Howe.

“They were comfortable with that and they also took the view that it’s better to let the person have a conversation with that club and get it out of their system.

"They are extremely happy Steve has come back and they think he’s just got to get on with the job, but they want success.”

Reading hope to build on last weekend's 2-1 home win against Bolton Wanderers when they travel to Nottingham Forest this Saturday (3pm ko).