Published: Thursday, 8th May, 2008 09:00
Coppell expecting no favours
By Anthony Smith
Comments (0)
Print Article
D-Day: Steve Coppell has complete faith in the integrity of the Premier League.
STEVE Coppell insists Reading cannot rely on results going their way this Sunday as they head to Derby County with their Premier League status under serious threat (4pm ko).
The Royals find themselves in the bottom three after a demoralising run of six games without a victory.
They could now still be relegated to the Championship even if they beat a woeful Derby outfit should Fulham also win at Portsmouth. Birmingham City are not out of it either and if the Blues beat Blackburn at home they could also be safe.
There is the added worry that Pompey boss Harry Redknapp may rest some of his star players with one-eye on their FA Cup final just six days later.
Coppell, though, has no concerns about the strength of Portsmouth’s team to face the Cottagers, insisting Redknapp is desperate for a win to bolster confidence for the final.
Coppell, who was relegated with Crystal Palace in 1993, declared: “We’re not relying on anybody to do us favour, I want to make that clear.
“I have always had confidence in the integrity of the Premier League and there is no reason for that to change.
“I know from my own experience that you don’t want to go into a cup final on the back of a defeat, let along four defeats on the bounce which could be the case with Portsmouth.
“That would not be healthy for them and I’m sure that Harry is well aware of that. But I want to stress I’m not worrying about anybody else.
“We’ve got our own problems to sort out here. We need to win first and foremost. That is the only thought in our minds.
“Derby will be going flat out against us, I have no doubt about that. And I fully expect Portsmouth and Blackburn to do exactly the same. No-one will be easing up.”
There was, however, some good news coming out of Fratton Park yesterday (Wednesday) with Redknapp rejecting suggestions that he may rest players.
“I wouldn’t do that - it’s not fair,” he insisted. “I wouldn’t want someone to do that to me so I won’t be doing that. I will field a full strength side as I owe that to other people in the relegation battle.
“It will be a tough game against Fulham. They have done what we did two years ago - everyone wrote us off and everyone wrote Fulham off and now they’re right back in the race.
“But I will make sure we are up for that game - I will make sure of that.”
No matter what happens at Fratton Park and St Andrew’s, Reading must beat Derby which would be only their second win on the road all season.
There are certain to be twists and turns all afternoon as news of results at other grounds filter through to supporters.
“It’s inevitable in the circumstances that we will find out what’s going on elsewhere,” stated Coppell. “There is no avoiding it really.
“But unless we look after ourselves on the pitch, what happens elsewhere is immaterial.”
Meanwhile, Coppell is already planning a summer clear-out regardless of what happens this weekend.
Chairman John Madejski has revealed substantial funds will be available, though Coppell argued: “Money has always been available it’s never been an issue. The problem has been attracting the right players to the club.
“That is something we have to look at over time. But there is bound to be a flurry of activity on Monday morning whatever happens at Derby.”
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Further Details
Hahnemann slams team-mate's commitment