Reading Football Club

• Nickname:Royals
• Founded:1871
• Manager:Brian McDermott

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24200

Coppell persuaded to stay

05 Jun 2008 - 13:44:23

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Steve Coppell has revealed the support from club officials and supporters persuaded him to stay on as Reading manager despite their relegation from the Premier League.

The 52-year-old admitted he had seriously considered ending his five-year reign at the Madejski Stadum after their dramatic final day relegation.

But the former Brighton, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Manchester City boss decided to remain at the helm after a period of soul searching.

He told the club's official website: "First of all, it must have been a little confusing for the supporters because they would have seen that I signed a two-year deal last summer.

"When I first negotiated that deal, I just felt if we got relegated it would be a natural break for everybody. I assumed the club would not want me and to be honest I thought my time would be up.

"Obviously we did get relegated and then I really just felt a hole. I didn't want to be remembered as the man who got us relegated, I didn't want that legacy.

"There was a reaction from the supporters, the chairman and everyone in the club saying 'please stay'.

"Since I've been here I've talked many times about the most important thing for me as a manager. I don't have wild ambition to manage Man Utd or England, I want to be at a club where I'm wanted and I am.

"We're back in the process of planning for next year. I am delighted to be here, I am very privileged to manage this club and I will keep that mentality."