Adkins appointed as Reading's coach to 2016

Former Southampton manager Nigel Adkins is appointed to take over the struggling Reading, the Premier League club revealed on Tuesday.The Royals, who have been searching for a new head coach since they sacked Brian McDermott two weeks ago, have offered 48-year-old Adkins a contract until the summer of 2016.Adkins had been out of work since surprisingly losing his job with the Saints in January, with his sacking coming after back-to-back promotions.Long-time assistant Andy Crosby will join Adkins at Reading and the pair will be in charge for the first time at Arsenal on Saturday before hosting Southampton.Reading are currently second bottom of the Premier League, level on points with Queens Park Rangers and seven points adrift of safety from relegation.Reading owner Anton Zingarevich said that the deal with Adkins had been sealed late Monday.