The Royals sit seven points above the Championship relegation zone and that could be cut to four points if they lose at Millwall on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Versatile Chelsea youngster Nathaniel Chalobah put pen to paper on a loan deal on Thursday as Clarke utilised his Stamford Bridge contacts to add some fresh impetus to his side at a relatively low cost.

Jure Travner also finally completed his move on Thursday, signing a short-term deal until the end of the season in a move that had already been finalised before Clarke arrived.

But supporters remain frustrated at the lack of a much-needed striker to help fire Reading up the table, and Madejski advised that the club’s financial position could halt plans to bring one in and scupper hopes of landing ex-Crystal Palace loanee Glenn Murray permanently for around £2 million.

“We do have the constraints of the Financial Fair Play regulations to consider at the moment,” said the Co-Chairman when quizzed by the Chronicle about January imports. “Saying that, we are always on the lookout for fresh talent.

“But when people ask if we will strengthen the squad they must think there is a pool of top strikers out there waiting to be signed up.

“Unfortunately that isn’t the case. Top quality players are few and far between.

“However, I’m sure Nick Hammond and Steve Clarke are searching far and wide and will continue to do so.”

Madejski is no longer bankrolling the club following the takeover in the summer by a Thai consortium, and he admits he’s relishing his new role.

“I have not necessarily taken a back seat,” he explained. “I’m enjoying this ambassadorial role where I meet a lot of people and do a lot of public speaking.

“I’ve always believed Reading Football Club is the heartbeat of the town and we want to make sure it stays there.”

Despite the constraints that the Royals are working with at the moment, Clarke remains hopeful that he can improve his squad with two further top quality additions, most likely to be loanees.

"We have a good squad so to improve you have to bring in quality players," he said. "I'd rather bring two or three top quality players rather than five or six who just fill a number."

“We won’t be doing much big business but if I can bring in one or two to help the squad, probably on loan, then I’ll do that.

“But normally loan players don’t come up until late in the window.”

Reading have noticeably improved under Clarke despite not yet pulling away from danger, and Madejski believes Reading are lucky to have the 51-year-old.

“Quite frankly, we are extremely privileged to have a manager like Steve Clarke,” said Madejski. “He has a fantastic pedigree and is highly regarded by everyone in the game.

“He lives in Ascot so in a way we are his local club, which was obviously incredibly attractive.

“It is not possible to change things overnight, Rome wasn’t built in a day. There is always a bedding in process where a new manager gets used to his squad.

“But I believe he has shown his mettle already and I believe he will achieve great things at this club.”