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- Jul 5, 2003
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Coppell to say yes to Royals
COPPELL - Could be new Reading manager by tomorrow
STEVE COPPELL looks set to be named Reading’s new boss in the next couple of days.
It is understood the Brighton manager initially turned down the chance to succeed Alan Pardew because he was unhappy with the personal terms.
But talks have continued successfully, and unless Coppell has a dramatic change of heart, he should be unveiled by Royals tomorrow or on Wednesday.
Nothing will happen today as Coppell, whose Brighton side went top of the Second Division on Saturday after a 3-0 win over Blackpool, is in Manchester for a series of routine stress tests organised by the League Managers’ Association.
He will return south later today and will meet with Reading chief executive Nigel Howe to finalise details.
Coppell is said to be very happy on the south coast, but the deciding factor could be Seagulls’ problems over a new stadium.
The club are waiting on permission from the local council to build a new 22,000 all-seater stadium in Falmer at a cost of £45m.
Although the club is likely to be given the go-ahead, the stadium will take at least two or three years to complete.
In the meantime Brighton have to play at the Withdean Stadium, which holds less than 7,000 people, most of whom are accommodated in temporary stands.
Coppell said: “Like any manager and footballer I’m ambitious. I want to test my skills at the highest level.
“But I am torn as I’ve got something great going here at Brighton.
“If we had the ground then, to be honest, leaving wouldn’t be an issue.”
Reading don’t have a game until a week tomorrow now that Saturday’s trip to Burnley has been postponed.
Reading director of football Nicky Hammond said this morning: “Things have moved forward over the weekend and I think we would be in a position to announce something tomorrow or Wednesday.
“Having Saturday’s game against Burnley being called off is useful as it gives the new man a little bit of time to get his feet under the table, work with the players and staff and watch videos of our last few games.”
Kevin Dillon has been informed he has not been given the job, but he will return to Reading today following a death in his family.
He is likely to be kept on as assistant boss.
He and the rest of the coaching staff, are due to have talks with the new manager this week.
COPPELL - Could be new Reading manager by tomorrow
STEVE COPPELL looks set to be named Reading’s new boss in the next couple of days.
It is understood the Brighton manager initially turned down the chance to succeed Alan Pardew because he was unhappy with the personal terms.
But talks have continued successfully, and unless Coppell has a dramatic change of heart, he should be unveiled by Royals tomorrow or on Wednesday.
Nothing will happen today as Coppell, whose Brighton side went top of the Second Division on Saturday after a 3-0 win over Blackpool, is in Manchester for a series of routine stress tests organised by the League Managers’ Association.
He will return south later today and will meet with Reading chief executive Nigel Howe to finalise details.
Coppell is said to be very happy on the south coast, but the deciding factor could be Seagulls’ problems over a new stadium.
The club are waiting on permission from the local council to build a new 22,000 all-seater stadium in Falmer at a cost of £45m.
Although the club is likely to be given the go-ahead, the stadium will take at least two or three years to complete.
In the meantime Brighton have to play at the Withdean Stadium, which holds less than 7,000 people, most of whom are accommodated in temporary stands.
Coppell said: “Like any manager and footballer I’m ambitious. I want to test my skills at the highest level.
“But I am torn as I’ve got something great going here at Brighton.
“If we had the ground then, to be honest, leaving wouldn’t be an issue.”
Reading don’t have a game until a week tomorrow now that Saturday’s trip to Burnley has been postponed.
Reading director of football Nicky Hammond said this morning: “Things have moved forward over the weekend and I think we would be in a position to announce something tomorrow or Wednesday.
“Having Saturday’s game against Burnley being called off is useful as it gives the new man a little bit of time to get his feet under the table, work with the players and staff and watch videos of our last few games.”
Kevin Dillon has been informed he has not been given the job, but he will return to Reading today following a death in his family.
He is likely to be kept on as assistant boss.
He and the rest of the coaching staff, are due to have talks with the new manager this week.
