Coppell to stay with Reading

Last Modified: 20 May 2008
Source: ITN

Steve Coppell has pledged his future to Reading despite the club's relegation from the Premier League.

Reading only won one of their last seven league games and dropped into the Championship on the last day of the season despite beating Derby County 4-0.

Coppell admitted after the game he would consider his future with the club and many fans showed their support outside the Madejski Stadium, calling for Coppell to stay.

Reading chairman John Madejski said: "I am delighted that Steve has agreed to stay as manager.

"I firmly believe that Steve is the best person to take us back into the Premier League and I have maintained all along that I want to keep him.

"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."

Coppell first guided Reading to promotion from the Championship in 2006.

Madejski added: "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."

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