Storer68
New member
First published on Thursday 05 June 2003:
Coppell agrees new deal
by Andy Naylor
Steve Coppell will still be Albion's manager next season after he accepted a new one-year contract today.
The contract starts on July 1 and replaces his current deal, which expires on June 30.
Albion wanted Coppell on a longer contract, but uncertainty over the new stadium plans at Falmer meant he was unwilling to commit beyond Albion's return to Division Two next season.
Chairman Dick Knight said today: "I'm obviously delighted that Steve is continuing as Albion's manager.
"I offered him a longer contract because the Board and I want him to lead this club into the future, but I fully understand that the outcome of the public inquiry on our vitally-needed new stadium is a factor in Steve only wanting to commit to a further year at this time.
"We are determined to win the battle for our new stadium because this is yet another reason why we need it, to unlock the potential of the club for the benefit, not only of supporters, but the city of Brighton and Hove.
"Meanwhile, with Steve at the helm, all followers of the Albion can look forward to another exciting season."
The Argus exclusively revealed today that Coppell was poised to stay.
He returned a few days ago from a three-week holiday in the Far East and negotiations involving Coppell, his agent and Knight have taken place since then.
Significantly, the club say Coppell is happy with the playing budget he has been given for next season.
That was one of the main bones of contention when Peter Taylor quit Albion last year after leading them to the Second Division title.
Coppell said: "I have said all along from day one it is a really good club.
"The potential is enormous and I would like to be part of that growth.
"We have got an awful lot of common ground. I have worked with some great players and people over the last seven months."
The former Crystal Palace chief, 48 next month, came within a whisker of keeping the Seagulls in the First Division last season after landing the job when they were stranded at the foot of the table.
Three of Coppell's out-of-contract signings, midfielder Simon Rodger, central defender Dean Blackwell and veteran goalkeeper Dave Beasant, are now all likely to stay as well.
Winger Paul Brooker, also out of contract, is still expected to be reunited with ex-Albion boss Micky Adams in the Premiership at Leicester.
Coppell guided cash-strapped Brentford to the play-off final against the odds when he last managed in the Second Division two seasons ago.
More from the camp at thisisthealbion.co.uk
Search the archive:
Enter your search word(s):
Restrict to 5 June 2003
Coppell agrees new deal
by Andy Naylor
Steve Coppell will still be Albion's manager next season after he accepted a new one-year contract today.
The contract starts on July 1 and replaces his current deal, which expires on June 30.
Albion wanted Coppell on a longer contract, but uncertainty over the new stadium plans at Falmer meant he was unwilling to commit beyond Albion's return to Division Two next season.
Chairman Dick Knight said today: "I'm obviously delighted that Steve is continuing as Albion's manager.
"I offered him a longer contract because the Board and I want him to lead this club into the future, but I fully understand that the outcome of the public inquiry on our vitally-needed new stadium is a factor in Steve only wanting to commit to a further year at this time.
"We are determined to win the battle for our new stadium because this is yet another reason why we need it, to unlock the potential of the club for the benefit, not only of supporters, but the city of Brighton and Hove.
"Meanwhile, with Steve at the helm, all followers of the Albion can look forward to another exciting season."
The Argus exclusively revealed today that Coppell was poised to stay.
He returned a few days ago from a three-week holiday in the Far East and negotiations involving Coppell, his agent and Knight have taken place since then.
Significantly, the club say Coppell is happy with the playing budget he has been given for next season.
That was one of the main bones of contention when Peter Taylor quit Albion last year after leading them to the Second Division title.
Coppell said: "I have said all along from day one it is a really good club.
"The potential is enormous and I would like to be part of that growth.
"We have got an awful lot of common ground. I have worked with some great players and people over the last seven months."
The former Crystal Palace chief, 48 next month, came within a whisker of keeping the Seagulls in the First Division last season after landing the job when they were stranded at the foot of the table.
Three of Coppell's out-of-contract signings, midfielder Simon Rodger, central defender Dean Blackwell and veteran goalkeeper Dave Beasant, are now all likely to stay as well.
Winger Paul Brooker, also out of contract, is still expected to be reunited with ex-Albion boss Micky Adams in the Premiership at Leicester.
Coppell guided cash-strapped Brentford to the play-off final against the odds when he last managed in the Second Division two seasons ago.
More from the camp at thisisthealbion.co.uk
Search the archive:
Enter your search word(s):
Restrict to 5 June 2003
