Published: Tuesday, 19th May, 2009 11:30am

Rodgers could snub Royals

by Anthony Smith

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Return of the Pards: Former manager Alan Pardew has been linked with a possible return to Reading.

WATFORD boss Brendan Rodgers has played down speculation linking him with the vacant Reading hotseat.

Royals are cranking up efforts to find a replacement for Steve Coppell within the next few weeks.

And former Royals Academy manager Rodgers, who still lives in the town, is among the clear favourites.

However, Watford chairman Jimmy Russo has stressed he will do everything in his power to keep hold of the 36-year-old who joined the Hornets last November and successfully steered them away from relegation.

And Rodgers has admitted he remains fully focused on the job ahead at Vicarage Road.

He said: 'Due to the amount of phone calls I have been having and the speculation, I felt I had to make a comment on it but I am not thinking about it (the Reading job). For me, in this moment, my full concentration is on next season with Watford.

'There is always going to be speculation as a manager and a coach. You are always honoured if you are linking with big jobs because it means you and your team are doing well. But in this moment, my concentration is fully on Watford and looking forward to next year.

'At the moment I am trying to concentrate on my learning at various different clubs and that is what is on my mind at the moment. I am looking forward to the future with Watford.'

Royals say they have received more than 100 applications for the job following Coppell"s decision to quit after their failed promotion campaign.

It is thought Aidy Boothroyd, Phil Parkinson, Iain Dowie, Paul Ince and Paul Jewell have applied, but Alan Curbishley remains the front runner with the bookmakers.

Former Reading boss Alan Pardew has also been linked with a controversial return while local resident Lawrie Sanchez, the ex-Northern Ireland manager and ex-Royals player, is in contention, along with Swansea"s Roberto Martinez.

But it seems they can cross one target off their list already after Bristol City declared Gary Johnson off-limits.

Johnson has done an excellent job at Ashton Gate but Robins chairman Steve Lansdown stated: 'What Reading do is up to them.

'They would have to speak to me first and go through the proper procedures but the answer would still be no. Gary is part of our long-term planning and hopefully we are part of his.

'We are looking forward to going forward together and we are planning for next season.'

Reading want to appoint Coppell"s replacement quickly to give him as much time as possible to stamp his mark on the squad.

Money is available to spend in the transfer market for the big rebuilding job that is required following the end-of-season clear-out.

As well as Coppell going, coaches Kevin Dillon and Wally Downes have not had their contracts renewed along with a number of backroom staff.

Senior players Marcus Hahnemann, Michael Duberry, Leroy Lita and skipper Graeme Murty have also been released. And Royals have shown the door to squad members Alan Bennett, Gary Frewen, Scott Golbourne, Tom Hateley and Daniel Spence.

Director of football Nick Hammond said: 'The board have a clear picture of who we want. Steve is a tough act to follow.

'I have already had meetings with some candidates and that will continue over the weekend. I don"t want to put a time-scale on it but we may be able to announce something by the end of next week.'

Royals have also said Dave Kitson and Glen Little will not be coming back after finishing the season at the Madejski Stadium on loan.

However, Dan Harding could be offered a deal as the ex-Ipswich loanee is now a free agent.

Meanwhile, Brynjar Gunnarsson as well as young trio Oliver Bozanic, Scott Davies and Ben Hamer have been offered new deals.

STEVE Coppell could make one last return to Reading to take part in Graeme Murty"s testimonial match.

Murty is reforming the record-breaking Championship winning side from 2005/06 to take on the latest Reading squad.

And Coppell has confirmed he will manage the old team that will also include Marcus Hahnemann, who has been released by Reading along with Murty.

The event will be staged on Tuesday, July 21 (8pm) at the Madejski Stadium and is being billed as "a night of nostalgia." Tickets details will follow.