Reading Football Club News

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

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Harper wins Coppell support

27 Feb 2009 - 07:35:37

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Reading midfielder James Harper has won the unequivocal backing of his Madejski Stadium manager Steve Coppell.

The 28-year-old has been criticised for his performances in recent weeks, but Coppell has defended the long-serving former Arsenal man.

He told The Chronicle: "James is a committed Reading man, pure and simple. He could easily have gone to a different club last summer and again in January, but he didn't want to leave.

"His heart is very, very much in Reading. He loves it here and his commitment has never been less than 100 per cent.

"He has played a big part in the club's success over many years now and that should never be forgotten."

Harper joined the Royals in February 2001 and has since scored 26 times in 337 appearances in all competitions.