Steve Coppell has resigned from his position as Reading manager after watching his side miss out on a place in the Championship play-off final. The Royals lost 2-0 at home to Burnley and went out 3-0 on aggregate to Owen Coyle’s men.
The former Crystal Palace boss had been in charge of Reading since 2003 and enjoyed many successful times including two seasons in the Premier League.
Following relegation back to the Championship though, Steve Coppell’s men were unable to secure an automatic promotion spot and have now missed out on promotion altogether.
Speaking about his resignation, Steve Coppell said that he thought it was the ‘best thing for the club’ that he steps down as manager. As for his six year spell at Reading, the 53-year-old said that he had ‘thoroughly enjoyed his time’ at the club.
It was a disappointing end for Steve Coppell though as many expected his team to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. However, their home form slipped at the wrong time and they were beaten to a place in the top two by Birmingham City on the final day.
This meant that they had to play Burnley in the semi-final of the play-offs in order to continue their promotion dream. However, after a 1-0 defeat at Turf Moor, The Royals were stunned at the Madjeski Stadium when goals from nMartin Paterson and Steven Thompson handed Burnley a 2-0 win.
Steve Coppell refused to comment on his future in the press conference after the game, but announced his decision to resign a few hours later.
As for Burnley, they will now meet Sheffield United in the English Football League Championship play-off final at Wembley for a place in the Premier League.
The Championship play-off final takes place on Monday 25th May and it is likely to be a very tense encounter.
2 comments so far
1 football betting // Jul 10, 2009 at 9:20 am
steve coppel should signed a new contract
2 football betting // Jul 13, 2009 at 11:54 am
owen coyle would of been a great manager for celtic