Coppell: Brian’s got incredible experience

Reading manager Brian McDermott has came in for some wonderful praise from former Royals manager Steve Coppell, whom McDermott worked under.

Coppell, who guided Reading to the Premier League for the first time in their history six years ago, has taken up a Director of Football role at League Two side Crawley Town. McDermott worked under Coppell during his six-year tenure with the Royals as chief scout and reserve team manager.

When speaking to Sky Sports News, the 56-year old said: ‘After the frustration and disappointment of the play-off final last year, he’s picked the team up , tinkered with it, brought people in, moved people on and you can only admire what he’s done. He’s a real great football man, you don’t use that word too often but he is a great football man.’

‘I speak with Brian regularly, we had a great, close working relationship when I was manager there and he’s certainly blossomed as a manager in his own right. They’ve had some fantastic results recently, none more so than the one against Brighton, and it’s a huge game to come on Friday, so I wish him well in that.’

The former Manchester United winger left Reading in the summer of 2009, after a failed play-off campaign. Coppell then went onto manager Championship side Bristol City the following year but only last four games at Ashton Gate. He has since hinted at retirement of football management and wanted a more discreet role at a club.