Coppell remains with Royals
20 May 2008 - 14:46:44
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- Coppell remains with Royals
Reading manager Steve Coppell has decided to remain with the club following their relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season.
Coppell's future had been called into question after the Royals' demotion, but he has now opted to stay on after talks with the club's director of football Nick Hammond and chairman John Madejski.
Coppell told the club's official website: "I'm very pleased to be staying.
"At 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 added: "I firmly believe that Steve is the best person to take us back into the Premier League and I've maintained all along that I want to keep him.
"Steve and I enjoy an extremely good relationship and I'm pleased that we have the chance to continue it.
"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've enjoyed in the last few years."
Coppell took charge of the Royals in October 2003 and guided the club to the Championship title in 2005-06, before they finished eighth in their first campaign in England's top-flight.
However, they suffered relegation on the final day of the campaign just ended, returning to the second tier alongside Derby County and Birmingham City.
Former England and Manchester United winger Coppell had previously enjoyed spells in charge of Crystal Palace, Manchester City, Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion.