Question marks over Coppell's future
by Tom Kell, 11 May 2008
Steve Coppell did little to dispel speculation that he will leave Reading this summer after seeing his side relegated back to The Championship on the final day of the season.
Coppell has been a model of pragmatism during The Royals’ relegation toil, conceding that his decision not to spend in January was to blame for the club's position towards the foot of the table.
The affable former Brighton manager has suggested in the past that he gets little satisfaction from management, and his comments after Sunday’s ultimately fruitless 4-0 win over Derby have raised question marks over what the future now holds for him.
"I've got to look at things,” he said. “It's too close now, I've got huge affection for this club. I've got to do what I think is right for this club.
"I've got huge respect for Roy Hodgson and Fulham, the run they've have had is terrific.
"To say I'm bitterly disappointed is an understatement - the dressing room was a very sad place. It was difficult to know what to say to ease the pain, there's no comfort in words.
"It's a numb feeling. The only thing we could control is our game and it wasn't enough. We've had our opportunities but golden rule is that you beat the teams around us at the bottom, we never did that.”
The Rams will be joining The Royals in the second flight next season and Paul Jewell has once again pledged wholesale changes after witnessing yet another capitulation to add to their back catalogue.
"I'm relieved that I don't have to watch this team every week and wonder who'll be the first to raise the white flag, who'll be the first to make a howler,” he said.
“The fans are right to sing 'you're not fit to wear the shirt'. The players don't care enough and they'd be in a relegation battle in the Championship. None of them can complain if they're not here next season, I don't see too many of them going to Premier League teams.
"There was no fight and no desire, even against a side who came here nervous and battling for their lives. Again, it was embarrassing. It sums the season up.
"I've the fire in my belly to turn this round, but too many players here haven't. The demands of plaing here next season will be too much for them."