Coppell ducks question on future

Coppell's side enter the final day in the Premier League drop zone

Steve Coppell has refused to confirm he will still be in charge of relegation threatened Reading next season.

The Royals must get a result at Derby, who are already down, to have any chance of avoiding dropping out of the Premier League.

When asked whether he would continue as manager whatever the outcome, Coppell replied: "I can't say that.

"I'm not backing out of answering a question but I just want to concentrate on the football match."

At this club I have made great issue of that fact that the chairman leaves me alone and there is no interference Reading boss Steve Coppell

Even victory at Pride Park on Sunday might not be enough as a Fulham win at Portsmouth would put Reading down anyway, with Birmingham's result against Blackburn also significant.

Coppell said: "Let's get Sunday out of the way and we will go from there. That's not giving myself an out, but my whole concentration is on Sunday.

"This has got nothing to do with my personal situation, it is about Reading Football Club trying to win a football game on Sunday, nothing else."

Coppell, who was voted manager of the year by the League Manager's Association in the last two seasons, has the support of Royals chairman John Madejski.

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But Reading's fate is no longer in their own hands after a run of six games in which they have failed to score a goal and earned just two points.

Fulham's revival means they are now ahead of Reading on goal difference, leaving the Royals in the third relegation spot.

"The manager is always accountable. I have never hidden from that," said Coppell.

"At this club I have made great issue of that fact that the chairman leaves me alone and there is no interference.

"He leaves me to look after the football club and if the football is not working it's my responsibility 100%."