Reading are really struggling at the moment.

On the back of a good performance against Derby on the opening day, Paul Clement's side have struggled to find a foothold in the division.

They're bottom of the table, with two draws their only crumbs of comfort from a horrible opening six matches. Holding Blackburn and Villa were certainly strong results, but defeats by Bolton and Sheffield Wednesday have left the club staring a relegation battle in the face.

There are a plethora of reasons that could be pointed at. Paul Clement has to shoulder some blame, he is the manager and responsible for setting the side up.

Also, in four of their six games they've conceded in the six minute period after half time, which could point to jumbled or confused half time team talks.

The players have to take some of the blame too. They had more shots than Sheffield Wednesday this weekend, but still lost 2-1.

Then there's Ron Gourlay, the former Chelsea Chief Executive. He was CEO at Stamford Bridge for five years, but now he's looking to transpose his skills on a Championship side. Talk of 'spending big' on a striker never materialised and there's a question mark as to whether he can do a satisfactory job on a budget.

We put it to Reading fans, asking if his influence is a factor behind the club's recent poor form. 70% of those who responded said that it was a factor.

Our panel of FLW experts wholeheartedly agreed with the fan's assessment of the situation. Here's their thoughts.

Jay Taylor

His lack of leadership and management acumen is certainly affecting the football club, he's struggling.

Since Reading's surprise finish in the play-offs, the club have been on a steep decline and that is in no small part thanks to the decisions made at boardroom level.

Paul Clement has to take some blame, but it should be shared between him and the men running the place.

The club is a shambles at present and I can't see that improving.

Sam Rourke

Most Reading fans are correct here.

Gourlay has made a questionable impact since arriving at Reading, and there question marks about what he wants from his time at the Royals.

Having made a number of mistakes in the summer transfer window, you get the feeling he's not used to operating at a club with a lower transfer budget in the Championship.

George Dagless

This really isn't a shock, this verdict.

Since arriving at the club things haven't exactly gone well.

Of course, he cannot be completely to blame for the issues but he, like many others, need to find a way out of this rut.