Published: Friday, 5th June, 2009 5:15pm

Rodgers: "Big players could leave.'

by Anthony Smith

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BRENDAN Rodgers fears Reading's top players will become targets for Premier League clubs once again after revealing Chelsea's interest in Kevin Doyle.

Royals' striker Doyle has been linked several times with Aston Villa as well as Bolton and Tottenham.

But new boss Rodgers revealed that ex-Blues manager Jose Mourinho was also tracking the Republic of Ireland international when they worked together at Stamford Bridge.

Now Rodgers is prepared for another deluge of interest in Doyle this summer, and also in fellow crown jewel like Stephen Hunt and James Harper.

Everton and Sunderland have both tried and failed to land Hunt in the past for around £5 million, while Middlesbrough offered £3 million for Harper last summer.

Royals would find that sort of money had to turn down now, but Rodgers says he is well prepared to deal with players whose heads may be turned by offers elsewhere.

"I had the same situation at Watford," explaied the 36-year-old who penend a three year deal on Friday. "There is absolutely no doubt those guys like Kevin Doyle are Premier League players.

"When you come out of the Premier League, especially in the second year of your parachute payments, that is becomes very, very difficult to hold on to those players.

"For example, I know we were interested in Kevin Doyle at Chelsea at the time. So this a guy who is well thought of at that level.

"As much as I want to work with the best players here, the reality is that it is very difficult.

"But I have no problem with that. I want the best players here but you live in the reality."

Rodgers succeeds Steve Coppell who walked away after failing to secure promotion last season.

Coppell became the most successful manager in Reading's history when he took them up to the Premier League in 2005/06 and the pressure will be on Rodgers to repeat that historic achievement.

However, he is undaunted by the task of filling boots as big as Coppell's.

"The chairman has asked me just to be Brendan Rodgers," he explained.

"I was here a short period of time when Steve came in before I left for Chelsea. I'm replacing a great coach and manager and more importanlty a great man.

"The guys here worked very closely with him and I've learnt from Steve by watching him and listening to him.

"I'm replacing a coach with great integrity and an outstanding manager. But it's a new cycle, an exciting cycle and I'm really looking forward to building on what Steve has achieved here and hopefully become the second manager to take the club into the Premier League.

"That would be the dream of everyone and we're looking forward to the jouney."

And Royals' chairman Sir John Madejski admitted: "There are big boots to fill after Steve Coppell.

"However, I think Brendan's credentials and the fact he had the experience of Chelsea and Watford stand him in excellent stead.

"We know Brendan. It's not as though we're dealing with an unknown quantity. He interviewed incredibly well and he has a lot of ideas for Reading Football Club.

"We all share his enthusiasm and he's closely knitted to this area. I think he will serve us incredibly well."