Reading manager Leam Richardson has described his side as "a work in progress" as they head towards a top-half finish in League One.
The Royals had targeted the play-offs after missing out by one place and three points last season, butsacked Noel Hunt in October with the side 19th.
Richardson won 13 of his opening 26 matches to steer Reading into the top six, before just two points from their last five games saw them drop to 10th and miss out again.
"We know we're a work in progress", Richardson told BBC Radio Berkshire following Saturday's 1-1 draw at Rotherham.
"We know we're starting from a foundation of what we've got, and we'll continue to do that and continue to try and improve, evolve and get better.
"The last few weeks there's been a frustration around the place because without hope, you've got nothing. Its my job to motivate them.
"We collectively gave everyone hope to get in the play-offs and then we have nothing. But now we have to look forward and be optimistic."
Despite Reading having up to 14 players injured in the final month of the season, half of the squad for the Rotherham game were Royals academy graduates.
Jeriel Dorsett and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, both 22, started the game, whilst Kelvin Abrefa, also 22, and 19-year-olds Sean Patton and Emmanuel Osho, the latter the younger bother of another Reading graduate Gabriel Osho, came off the bench.
"We know there's a big history and a heritage at this club of producing players," Richardson said.
"There's a couple of loan players – Kadan Young and Will Keane – who are fit, healthy and well, but I think it’s important to look to the future and look forward.
"It's got to be our intent to look towards next season and make sure they are given that experience so we can hit the ground running next year."
Richardson has not ruled out looking to strengthen in the summer, with fans and pundits often pointing to the lack of pace in the squad.
"It's been apparent that ever since the likes of Jack Marriott, Randell Williams and Daniel Kyerewaa have come out of the team, it affects what we're doing," he added.
"As a manager there is nothing better than getting transfer windows to get your own team on the pitch, so to speak.
"We're very conscious of the group we've got. You've got to be mindful of their attributes and not putting them under too much pressure to do things they can't do."
