Shorey unrest played down

Coppell has no problem players seeing out deals

By James Pearson   Last updated: 6th December 2007

Reading full-back Nicky Shorey

Shorey: Keeping options open

He's said he's happy to see this one out at the moment to give him more options. That doesn't infer that he's unhappy.

Coppell on Shorey
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Reading manager Steve Coppell has played down talk Nicky Shorey is unhappy at The Madejski Stadium.

After Shorey rejected new terms with The Royals it had been speculated the England squad member was seeking pastures new.

However, Coppell has no problems with the 26-year-old, who is contracted to the club until the summer of 2009, keeping his options open.

Coppell does not believe players rejecting offers intimates unrest as it is simply the prerogative of the modern day footballer to seek out the best deal.

"What I said was if any player is unhappy here that it's probably best that they go," he told Sky Sports News.

"Any manager will say you don't want people in your club that don't want to be there. In the past Nicky Shorey has mentioned that his contract is up.

Options

"We've made him an offer to sign a new contract and he's said he's happy to see this one out at the moment to give him more options.

"That doesn't infer that he's unhappy here. It's just the modern day footballer. It's not a risk because it's not our choice. It's his choice and it's his decision.

"Like a lot of footballers you're in a magnificent position when you're coming to the end of a contract. You have a choice and you can decide what your future is.

"I've got nothing but respect for players who have the confidence in their own ability to say 'I'll take the risks that are involved I'll go to the end of my contract'. It's no big deal to me."