UNDER-FIRE Reading FC manager Jaap Stam is taking his squad to Spain today for warm weather training in a bid to halt his team’s terrible run.

Royals have picked up one win from their last 12 Championship matches to leave them just four points above the relegation zone.

Last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough was their fourth loss in five games as a growing number of supporters begin to turn on the Royals boss.

But winger Sone Aluko is certain results will soon improve.

"It's not going our way at the minute, but I'm a big believer in making your own luck and we have to keep believing,” said Aluko, who was Stam’s biggest signing last summer when he joined from Fulham.

"It's easy to lose confidence when you're losing games and you start second guessing yourselves.

“But we haven't become bad players overnight, so we believe it will turn with hard work.”

Reading Chronicle:

Reading winger Sone Aluko.

Royals are without a fixture this weekend due to Sheffield United’s FA Cup involvement.

So Stam and a squad of 26 players plus 13 staff will jet out to Spain today in a bid to iron out the problems that have plagued his side all season.

There will be a mixture of intense training and rest during the team’s stay, including two full days of double training sessions in a behind-closed-doors environment.

The squad will fly back to England this Saturday ahead of a gruelling run of six, make-or-break fixtures in 18 days.

Royals return to Championship action on Tuesday, February 20 with a vital six-pointer at Nottingham Forest.

Their next batch of games also includes clashes against Derby County and Wolves – the division’s top two teams – as well as the rearranged match with play-off chasing Blades.

Aluko added: "We'll be working hard. We have to stick together, keep fighting and address the problems we're encountering in games at the moment.

"We are where we are. It's the reality, and we've got to deal with it.

“It's about what's going on between your ears as much as what is happening with the ball at your feet.

“As players, you've got to keep believing. And if we do, I'm confident we will turn it around."

Reading Chronicle:

Chris Martin shows his disappointment following the defeat to Middlesbrough on Saturday.

A host of injured players will not be joining the trip to Spain as they continue their recovery at Hogwood Park.

Recent Aston Villa loan signing Tommy Elphick, skipper Paul McShane, Jordan Obita, Callum Harriott, Joseph Mendes and Stephen Quinn are among those left behind.