Coppell refuses to be drawn on Reading's end of season position

For weeks after Reading were relegated from the Premier League, question marks hung over the future of manager Steve Coppell and whether he would lead them in their quest back to the top flight.

Fortunately for Royals fans, he decided to stay and has been busy planning for the new Championship season which got underway on Sunday with a  0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest.

Speaking at the club’s press day, boss Coppell highlighted a good start for the team as crucial to their ambitions of an immediate return to the Premier League.

“The start is all important,” explained Coppell. “If you look at the table half a dozen games in and you’re in a reasonable position then you feel good about the foundation you’ve laid. If you’re struggling then you know you’ve got a long, hard season ahead of you, so a good start is always nice.”

Following Nicky Shorey’s departure from the Madejski Stadium, the Reading boss reflected that part of his side’s downfall last term may have been the result of a squad containing too many players failing to fulfil their potential.

Coppell reflected: “Last year we had too many players and signed players who perhaps never realised their potential so there are opportunities this year and the players who come in have to be judged by results.

“We’ve been fair to the players. Market valuations are market valuations. If clubs come in then I don’t want a player here who thinks he should be playing somewhere else.

“I think the fans wouldn’t want players here who might feel he’s doing us a favour. I want players here who are fully committed to getting the club back into the Premiership. Eighty per cent of a top player is not as good as 100 per cent of a lesser player.”

Coppell had originally told the media that he wanted all transfer dealings tied up before the opening day of the season, but the deadline he set himself has now been moved as he searches for a replacement to fill the void of the recently departed Shorey.

“From my point of view as a manager of a football club, once the season has started then you want to be able to bank on your squad of players being there at least until the next transfer window opens.
 
“It’s a difficult scenario but I hope there won’t be any more outs. I knew we’d lose some players and we’ve lost two so far. I’ve tried to be fair to them. We’ve brought one player in and are one player down overall. I’m hoping to do some more business certainly before the window comes down.”

During pre-season, Reading enjoyed a tour of Sweden but did not have results all their own way in friendlies.

However, a mixed bag of results does not bother Coppell who views pre-season as a vehicle for his players to gain fitness and nothing more.

“To be honest pre-season doesn’t really give you an impression of the way things are going to go,” he commented. “Inevitably, you choose games that you think you are going to win, so from a confidence point of view we’re okay but pre-season doesn’t tell you a great deal.”

When asked about whether this time next year Reading will be preparing for life back in the Premier League, an ambitious Coppell refused to think too far ahead and preferred to focus his mind on the task in hand.

“I don’t think that far ahead,” admitted Coppell. “I never ever sit and think ‘I wonder what would happen if’. I’m just involved in the process of trying to make it happen.

“You’ve got more than enough when you play to think about. We’ve got a really busy first week so it’s pointless thinking of things a year ahead.

“Those who do are never in football for long!”

Reading 2, Dagenham & Redbridge 1

Reading were far from impressive as they needed a late winner to beat Dagenham & Redbridge in the League Cup first round on Tuesday.

Debutant striker Noel Hunt grabbed the winner with three minutes left.

Coppell’s men took the lead after 26 minutes when young winger James Henry nodded home before Solomon Taiwo equalised.

- Reading have been drawn to face Luton Town at the Madejski Stadium in the second round of the Carling Cup on August 26 or 27.