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Coppell to remain with Royals in Championship

20/05/2008

Reading manager Steve Coppell has announced he will remain with the club next season, despite being relegated from the Premier League.

There had been speculation the former Crystal Palace boss would quit the Berkshire club, or that he would be forced out by chairman and owner John Madejski in order to begin rebuilding the squad.

However, Madejski has thrown his weight behind Coppell, who was the focus of an unusual clamouring from fans for him to stay - rather than resign - following the team's bottom-three finish.

"I'm very pleased to be staying," Coppell told the club's website, before revealing why he took ten days to announce his decision.

"After the end of the season I needed some time to reflect and think about what was the best course of action for both myself and for Reading Football Club.

"The reaction of the supporters had a bearing on my decision, as did my relationship with the chairman and everyone at the club.

"I'm now looking forward to the new season and the significant challenge of trying to regain our place in the Premier League."

Madejski said he is "delighted" with the outcome of his talks with Coppell, who he describes as "the best person to take us back into the Premier League".

"I have maintained all along that I want to keep him," the chairman continued.

"Steve and I enjoy an extremely good relationship and I am pleased that we have the chance to continue it. We are now looking forward to the challenge of trying to gain promotion from the Championship for the second time.

"Despite relegation, the club is built on very solid foundations and with Steve at the helm we believe that we have the potential to continue the rapid growth and success that we have enjoyed in the last few years.

"I would also like to extend a sincere thanks to our fans, whose messages of support and encouragement certainly played a significant role in Steve's decision to stay."