Can supporters pleas keep Coppell?

Hundreds of supporters turned out to Madejski Stadium last night in a bid to keep Reading FC manager Steve Coppell at the club following its relegation this week.

Avid fans surrounded the boss's parking space at the club during the 'Keep Coppell' rally with banners and T-shirts.

A 'Save Steve Coppell' group has been set up on the social networking site Facebook, and many fans regard Coppell as the best manager in the club's history after he led them to the Premier League two seasons ago.

Rumours of Coppell's departure from the Royals circulated after the club's demotion on Sunday. Despite a 4-0 win over Derby they went down on goal difference.

Coppell is said to be 'delighted' and 'blessed' at such a show of appreciation from fans and the grapevine is already rife with talk that he may announce his decision to stay at the club soon.

One post on a fan site said: "There is no doubt that it would be great news if Coppell stayed on to guide Reading towards another promotion from the Championship. Last time round he took Reading up in record-breaking style - the Royals are officially the best team ever to play in the Championship thanks to Steve."

Another said: "All this talk about Coppell being swayed just means it will knock us down more if he resigns. I'm not believing it until I hear something official, much as I hope it is true."

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