Published: Tuesday, 13th May, 2008 12:00
Coppell given time to make up his mind
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ROYALS chairman John Madejski was putting a brave face on the club’s battle to keep hold of manager Steve Coppell this week, declaring: “It is business as usual.”
The Royals’ boss was expected to walk on Monday morning following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
But after a high-powered board meeting he decided to take more time to reflect on his position and it is understood he will make a final decision at the end of the week.
Madejski revealed: “I genuinely hope Steve Coppell stays. He has one year left on his contract and, as far as I’m concerned, it is business as usual.
“We won’t get a better manager than Steve Coppell. I think he’s fantastic. The players are familiar with him and there is a groundswell of support.
“Fans have been bombarding us with messages pleading with him to stay. I just hope he does.
“But it’s not a question of him having to give me a decision because he is still our manager.”
Despite presiding over Reading’s drop into the Championship, Coppell still has the widespread support of the players, the vast majority of fans and Madejski himself.
But the ex-Crystal Palace, Manchester City, Brentford and Brighton boss has never been one to hang around for too long. It is rumoured he believes he has taken Reading as far as he can after four-and-a-half years.
And Madejski accepts that once Coppell’s mind has been made up there is no turning back. “I can’t say with certainty he will stay because only Steve knows that,” he said.
“If he decides he’s going to go then he will go, but obviously I will try and persuade him to stay.”
Now Coppell is set to meet Royals top brass again on Friday and director of football, Nick Hammond, confirmed: “We have agreed that Steve needs a few days to reflect on the situation and decide the best way forward.
“We will meet again later in the week.”
See this week’s Chronicle for a 16-page supplement covering Royals highs and lows of the season
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