Jones unsure of Brighton future

Jones went no further than saying he would be preparing the team as usual after a 90th minute strike from Spaniard Inigo Calderon rescued a point for the struggling Seagulls.

Two goals from former Brighton striker Glenn Murray raised hopes of a first Reading win under their new manager Steve Clarke, but Albion dominated after Jake Forster-Caskey scored just before the interval and deserved a share of the spoils.

Brighton are searching for their fourth manager in 18 months following Sami Hyypia's resignation on Monday.

Tony Pulis, Chris Hughton and Tim Sherwood have all been linked with the post, and chairman Tony Bloom and the board have identified successful managerial and Championship experience as the key criteria to haul Brighton out of the relegation zone.

Welshman Jones said he was immensely proud at the way his men fought back after being two goals down and had no doubt they should have taken maximum points.

He said :"We should have won that game. We shot ourselves in the foot with the goals we conceded but apart from that the lads gave me everything and I'm very proud.

"We started too slowly but in the second half we were excellent. We had more composure and gathered momentum and I really felt we should have won the game.

"The reaction I got was fantastic. The players gave me everything and that's all you can ask."

Brighton visit Fulham with only one win in their last 19 league games and Jones added:" I don't know if I'll be in charge but I'll prepare the team until I hear.

"I've worked hard throughout my career and I was very proud to be asked to take the team."

Reading boss Clarke said he could not really complain at letting victory slip such was Brighton's dominance after the break.

He said:" The biggest disappointment was that we didn't make the most of our opportunities. We gave the ball away too often in the second half and allowed Brighton to build up a head of steam.

"We started well but Brighton dug out a goal near the end to get themselves a point.

"I'm disappointed it was so late, but Brighton had a lot of momentum in the second half. Eventually, they got what they deserved .Their goal just before half time changed the whole mood around the place."

Clarke said as much as he would have liked to get off the mark with a first win in charge, this was a case of taking a point and "moving on."

He added:" We are already looking forward to our home game against Norwich on Sunday. Last year I lost my job just before Christmas so it's good to be back in and the players are giving everything.

"It's a start to get a draw and you're learning all the time. We got out of the blocks really quickly and were good value for our two-goal lead, but then got undone by long throws and were punished."