Happy Coppell hungry for success

A Sunday newspaper had suggested Coppell would walk away from Reading - and football - when his contract expires this summer whatever division the Royals find themselves in.But, after a brace of Shane Long headers gave his side three massive points that also pushed Norwich a step closer to relegation, Coppell was in bullish mood.He said: "I've had an awful lot of people congratulate me on my retirement and ask me my plans but it's absolute rubbish."What would I do all day? It's a non-story."No one has any idea what I'll be doing this summer, not even me, but it's a nonsense to say that I want to walk away from football."I was manic depressive in February after we hadn't won in a month but no more than usual."We want to finish as high up the league as we can. We have a dog's chance of success but that's better than no chance."Long's contribution saw Reading deservedly take all three points, which sets up a potential thriller with Birmingham next Sunday.Reading's hopes of automatic promotion were revived by Birmingham's late defeat at home by Preston on Saturday and they will meet at the Madejski Stadium with both in the hunt for a return to the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt.Coppell said: "Everyone outside of Norwich was looking for this result to make it exciting on Sunday and it hopefully will be."It's gratifying for Shane Long to start and deliver. He's been on the periphery for so long that you'd expect him to have made the step up by now and he is conscious of that."But it was a real strong performance and he did really well for both goals."Norwich boss Bryan Gunn admitted his side need a miracle to survive as they prepare for a final-day trip to already-relegated Charlton.The Canaries are staring at a season in the third tier for the first time in 49 years and go into the final day three points behind Barnsley in the final relegation place - albeit with a superior goal difference.Gunn said: "My captain Gary Doherty said after the game that funny things happen in football and we have to believe that a miracle can happen."We hope Plymouth help us out by putting on a performance against Barnsley in front of their own fans and we need lady luck to smile on us."But we have to do our own job first and focus on that for four or five days."The spirit was there for all to see but we didn't create too many openings."We have to face up to it but there is still a chance. I will lift the players and get them fresh, fit and focused for what will be a difficult day."Gunn led his side out after the final whistle for a lap of appreciation and admitted some of his players found it difficult to face the fans after another home defeat.He said: "Out of respect to the fans and the club we had to go back out there no matter what the result."This is a famous football club and the fans support us through thick and thin. Thousands stayed behind to give us a lap of applause and we are grateful for that."Let's hope they are cheering again this time next week."

Source: Team_Talk