Coppell may be swayed by fans
by Joseph Caron Dawe, 14 May 2008
Steve Coppell is due to announce his decision on whether he will stay on as Reading manager at the end of the week, and he has dropped a hint that the support he has been shown by the club’s fans is likely to play a major role in his choice.
The Royals’ supporters have been vociferous in their support for the man who got them to The Premier League in the first place, and despite relegation back to The Championship on Sunday they have stood firmly by Coppell.
The former Manchester United winger has a year left on his current contract at the club and many had expected him to walk away after Reading’s demotion, but he has hinted that the backing he has been given by both fans and club chairman John Madejski are likely to sway him.
“The fans' support does come into my thinking and I was delighted with the reception they gave me personally,” said Coppell in the Reading Evening Post of the reception he was given in the final day win over Derby.
“From that point of view, I feel blessed to be working for a club where I am appreciated. It's nice to work for a chairman who wants me.
“I have to say I am delighted with the reaction. That support from the fans wouldn't have been there at any other club.
“They are unique and their response does have a bearing on my future. If the fans were all saying 'he's had his time', I wouldn't be able to stay on.”
Coppell led Reading to the top flight for the first time in their 135-year history in 2006, and has been the club’s most successful manager.