McDermott backs Coppell for FA role

Anthony Smith • Published 13 Aug 2010 12:00 0 Comments

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STEVE Coppell should be snapped up by the Football Association following his decision to retire from football management.

The former Reading boss stunned Bristol City yesterday by announcing he was stepping down after just 112 days in charge.

The 55-year-old - who led Royals to their historic promotion to the Premier League in 2005/06 - lasted just two games at Ashton Gate, losing both of them.

He released a statement through the League Managers Association which said: “It is with the deepest regret that I confirm my departure from Bristol City.

“I have made my decision after very careful consideration and I believe that it is in the best interests of both the club and me personally that we go our separate ways.

“Whilst I was looking forward to the challenge of leading the players in this season’s campaign, unfortunately, it has become clear over recent weeks, that I found I could not, for whatever reason, become passionate about the role and give the commitment the position demands.

“I am retiring from football management but still feel I have a contribution to make to the game sometime in the future.”

Current Royals boss Brian McDermott bow believes the FA should make the most of Coppell’s vast experience and hand him a senior role in the future.

McDermott, a close friend of Coppell’s, said: “It was a surprise and a shock really. Obviously Steve hasn’t been there very long, and he wouldn’t have made that decision lightly.

“He’ll have his own reasons, I tried to ring him, I left a message on his phone to meet up at some point and have a chat.

“But I’m just the same as everybody else, surprised. What a great manager he’s been, over many, many years he’s stood the test of time. He’s definitely still got a job to do in football, I’ve got no doubt about that with his credentials and all his experience.

“I look at the FA and they must look at someone like Steve Coppell and there must be a job for him in an environment like that if he was interested in it. He’s managed at the top level, he’s managed at Premier League level and he’s been a fantastic manager at the top level.

“You look at the job he did at Crystal Palace and the job he did at Reading, and you can’t fault his CV.”

Coppell joined Royals in October 2003 when he replaced current Southampton boss Alan Pardew.

He took charge of 281 games before quitting in summer 2009 after Reading were beaten by Burnley in the Championship play-offs.

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