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Mark Bowen's Reading are 14th in the Championship, eight points outside the play-off places

Manager Mark Bowen and chief executive Nigel Howe are to defer a "substantial percentage" of their wages to aid Reading's "cash flow situation".

The pair, along with a number of other senior non-playing staff, have made the offer for the next three months.

The Championship club are in talks with players about similar measures.

"Like all football clubs, we are trying to deal with the implications that the coronavirus pandemic has had on our operation," said a Reading statement.

"We are very proud that Nigel, Mark and a number of senior level staff have volunteered to defer significant percentages of their salary - a selfless and commendable commitment which will help ensure jobs are retained at the club."

Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire, former Wales defender Bowen said: "We just sat down and thought it's time to make a gesture.

"If it is, like a lot of other clubs, that we are struggling with a little bit of cash flow, you try to do anything you can to help.

"I know that our players are currently in discussions with the club, local authorities and hospitals, thinking what's the best way for them to do a gesture.

"The sooner we can get through this peak and get back to training and playing football again, I really believe that'll be a massive fillip for the country.

"It may give people out there who are in lockdown a focus to their week.

"Yes there are more important things, we know that - the National Health Service and what they're doing on the front line."

Reading have placed a number of non-playing staff on furlough with the EFL season suspended indefinitely.

"We remain hopeful that a suitable agreement will soon be reached [with players] as, together, we look to establish ways to help protect the club's future," the statement added.