Wednesday, 13 May 2009

Steve Coppell resigns

So the inevitable happened, albeit sooner than expected. Steve Coppell resigned after six years as Reading manager late last night. His legacy is one unprecedented success, soured a little latterly by the taste of bitter disappointment. It's clearly the end of an era at Reading FC. Although he ultimately failed to takes us back to the Premier League, it's certainly a sad day for the club. Honest, intelligent and highly principled, we may not see his like again.

3 comments:

Strig said...

Well, the inevitable happened and it put us out of our misery to be honest. It was unbelievable that we were even in that position given we hadn't won at home since January. Steve Coppell did a fantastic job, but things have looked a bit stale this calendar year. We lacked leadership with Murts and Ivar out and seemed to lack fresh ideas with even the lowest teams in the league working us out and stifling us at the Madstad. So let's shake Steve by the hand and move onwards (and hopefully upwards). The names in the frame - very interesting. Please no hoofball from Lawrie Sanchez, so who else? Brendan Rosgers - certainly did a good job in the short spell he has been at Watford, but of the names being banded about, I think Gus Poyet would be a great choice - he's done well everywhere he's been apart from the latter appointment at Spurs, and I think he could bring an exciting brand of football to Reading (just don't bring that little thug Wise with him!!). No doubt there will be a clearout of players with the new manager and to be frank, Kitson and Little just aren't up to the job any more, Steven Hunt seems to be past his peak and if we are offered £5m, I would bite their hands off. Kebe is still an enigma and let's get him in the gym for God's sake so he doesn't get pushed off the ball so much. We need to get the best out of Marek too. Shane Long seems to have come on leaps and bounds - his first touch is hugely improved but we need a midfield dynamo to really make things work. Bryn still looks worth a punt, Cisse is OK. Jay Tabb is getting better and better and has certainly been one of our better players in recent weeks. As for the boys at the back, Harding looks useful, if we can get him on a permy, Rosenior disappoints for me - I can understand why Fulham let him go. Duberry is iffy at times but great at other times, and to be honest Bikey has done really well apart from the obvious flaws in the recent match. Hahnemann may have had his time too - Fedders should make the jersey his now - he just needs to have a more commanding presence in the box. This must be a great opportunity to bring the youngsters through - Pearce and Karacan have just about made it, with others such as Julian Kelly and James Henry close to it. No doubt the purse strings will continue to be tight so it may be the best option. Here's to the exciting new era in the coming year. Come on URZ

Strig said...

So Steve - no managerial rumours on here - what about Martinez, Ferguson or Rodgers? No opinions - surely not? Go on....you know you want to :-)

The Royal We said...

I would really like Martinez, but Rodgers would be fine. No Fergie regardless of what he's done at Peterboro'!More to follow soon on my 'humble opinion!'...