swindonseagull
Well-known member
Town Will Cop it
14th May 2004
STEVE Coppell has backed Brighton to come out on top in the play-off battle between his two former clubs.
He expects Mark McGhee’s Seagulls to edge past Town, because they have ‘no obvious weaknesses’ and can adapt to any challenge.
Coppell had a brief coaching spell at Town at the start of last season before landing the Brighton job. He was in charge of the Seagulls when two goals from Sam Parkin helped Town to a 2-2 draw at the Withdean Stadium in September.
Now Reading boss, Coppell said: “At that time Swindon were playing really well.
“They were better than us on the day and we did well to get a point.
“They were playing with a sweeper then, but they are operating with a flat back four now and I think that will suit Brighton better.
“I am desperate for Brighton to win, because I feel part of it. I made a real connection with the players and I want them to be successful.”
Coppell, who guided Brentford to the Division Two play-off final two years ago, said: “A lot of it is to do with the mindset. What happened during the season means nothing now. I look at the balance of the Brighton team.
“They have goals up front and Chris Iwelumo coming in is certainly a player I have admired. That’s a good combination now with Leon Knight.
“The midfield is rock-solid, the defence is tight and they have a good goalkeeper, so there are no obvious weaknesses and the great thing I found is that they are adaptable. They can play or mix it.
“Andy King at Swindon always emphasises about playing football.
“They have got some good players but I think Brighton, with the bit between their teeth, will do what it takes over the two legs to get through.
“I do think the team that’s eventually promoted will come from this tie.
“I don’t see there being too much in it and it isn't out of the question that it could eventually go to penalties. My gut feeling says Brighton.”
However, Coppell is not dismissing Town’s chances of getting through to the final and he believes one man at the County Ground deserves an enormous pat on the back.
“Andy King deserves tremendous credit for what he has done at the football club.
“He was under quite a lot of pressure during my brief stay but he never lost his enthusiasm for the game and he's had a great season.
“They have got some good players but I think Brighton, with the bit between their teeth, will do what it takes over the two legs to get through.”
14th May 2004
STEVE Coppell has backed Brighton to come out on top in the play-off battle between his two former clubs.
He expects Mark McGhee’s Seagulls to edge past Town, because they have ‘no obvious weaknesses’ and can adapt to any challenge.
Coppell had a brief coaching spell at Town at the start of last season before landing the Brighton job. He was in charge of the Seagulls when two goals from Sam Parkin helped Town to a 2-2 draw at the Withdean Stadium in September.
Now Reading boss, Coppell said: “At that time Swindon were playing really well.
“They were better than us on the day and we did well to get a point.
“They were playing with a sweeper then, but they are operating with a flat back four now and I think that will suit Brighton better.
“I am desperate for Brighton to win, because I feel part of it. I made a real connection with the players and I want them to be successful.”
Coppell, who guided Brentford to the Division Two play-off final two years ago, said: “A lot of it is to do with the mindset. What happened during the season means nothing now. I look at the balance of the Brighton team.
“They have goals up front and Chris Iwelumo coming in is certainly a player I have admired. That’s a good combination now with Leon Knight.
“The midfield is rock-solid, the defence is tight and they have a good goalkeeper, so there are no obvious weaknesses and the great thing I found is that they are adaptable. They can play or mix it.
“Andy King at Swindon always emphasises about playing football.
“They have got some good players but I think Brighton, with the bit between their teeth, will do what it takes over the two legs to get through.
“I do think the team that’s eventually promoted will come from this tie.
“I don’t see there being too much in it and it isn't out of the question that it could eventually go to penalties. My gut feeling says Brighton.”
However, Coppell is not dismissing Town’s chances of getting through to the final and he believes one man at the County Ground deserves an enormous pat on the back.
“Andy King deserves tremendous credit for what he has done at the football club.
“He was under quite a lot of pressure during my brief stay but he never lost his enthusiasm for the game and he's had a great season.
“They have got some good players but I think Brighton, with the bit between their teeth, will do what it takes over the two legs to get through.”
