Coppell: I could've lost job

Reading boss Steve Coppell has admitted he may have lost his job earlier. After being appointed boss on October 9, 2003, Coppell could not get the club in the play-offs in his first two seasons but then masterminded their emphatic Championship title charge.

"Realistically, if we hadn't had a decent start it would have been common sense to move me on, but thankfully we had a great start, a great middle and a great end and for two years we were living the dream at the club," he said.

"I think everyone is aware this season is different. It is a season which requires different qualities which provides us with a huge challenge. I'm really looking forward to that challenge."