Reading FC striker Sam Smith admitted that the transfer window and the turmoil off the field were a distraction this summer.
Smith netted his first goal of the campaign to wrap up a 2-0 win for the Royals over Charlton Athletic in League One on the weekend.
The win means Reading head into the international break with seven points from their opening four games, placing them in 8th.
Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire after the win, Smith said: “We know whenever we are at home we’re a difficult team to beat.
“It’s a massive result especially after the result last week (at Wrexham).
“To have seven points from the first four fixtures we have had has been impressive and we need to keep it going.”
Smith then opened up about the difficulties that the club continues to face while the takeover saga is still not resolved and admitted that it has personally affected him.
He continued: “Credit to everyone especially after the chaos that’s been going on behind the scenes.
“There’s not much I can really say on the situation. But I hold my hands up – me personally it’s affected me over the transfer window.
“But it’s closed now and we’ve got to keep everyone together and build on what we built last year.
“It’s been difficult but we’ve got the backing of the fans and that’s all that matters.
“We’ve got a very young, hungry team. A team that wants to push each other and that wants to work for the fans, work for the staff and work for the manager.
“We were hoping to get a few players through the door to thicken out the squad, but sometimes these things don’t happen.
“We’ve got to keep riding out the rough times and hope good times will come.”
The team now has a two week break before their next match when they host Leyton Orient on Saturday, September 14.
“Personally I welcome it (the international break), we’ve had four very difficult games and we’ve got a small squad.
“We have to get rest in when we can and rebuild the energy levels and be fresh and ready to go again.”
