Source: Daily_Mail
I had no choice - I had to quit Reading after play-off flop, insists Steve Coppell
Steve Coppell insisted he had no choice but to quit Reading after they failed in their bid for an instant return to the Barclays Premier League.
The Royals crashed out of the Championship play-offs last night after a 2-0 home defeat to Burnley sealed a 3-0 aggregate semi-final loss.
And Coppell, 53, has now called time on his reign at the Madejski Stadium - fuelling speculation that he may walk away from football for good.
'Following our play-off exit I feel it's the best thing, for both the club and myself, for me to leave,' said Coppell.
'I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Reading manager and would like to thank everyone connected to the club for the support I have received.'
The former Manchester United star took over at Reading in 2003 and led them to their first ever top-flight campaign three years later.
More impressively, Coppell comfortably kept them in the Premier League at the first attempt.
Reading ended just one place off a Uefa Cup spot, with Coppell picking up the League Managers' Association manager of the season award for the second successive year.
But the celebrations were short-lived as they were relegated back down to the Championship last year.
'I am very disappointed to confirm that Steve has decided to step aside as our manager, but I respect his wishes,' said Reading chairman Sir John Madejski.
'I would like to thank Steve sincerely for everything he has done for Reading over the last five-and-a-half years, which has been the most successful period in the club's history.'
