Coppell gets sinking feeling

Royals boss admits club are in serious trouble

By James Pearson   Last updated: 29th February 2008

Steve Coppell

Coppell: In muddy waters

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Reading manager Steve Coppell has admitted The Royals are serious danger of losing their Premier League status.

Despite revealing his confidence in his players' ability to avoid the drop on Thursday, he has now admitted the club are in a perilous position.

Eight consecutive league defeats has seen The Royals plummet down the Premier League ladder and now Coppell has conceded the squad are now in troubled waters.

Clingy

"I'm in sh***y waters! It is a lot smellier than muddy waters - and it is clingy," explained Coppell.

"Something has got to change. The difference between our reserve team and our first team is not a lot.

"There is not a great deal of daylight between 20-odd players in this squad.

"I've been waiting for a victory so that the first-team players can distance themselves to give them some authority - but that has not come. I'm at liberty to change all 11 if I feel the need."

There have been calls for Leroy Lita to be recalled to The Royals' starting line-up, however, Coppell has stated the striker has had chances and not taken them.

Gut feeling

"Leroy has had chances this year, but he hasn't scored either," he continued.

"I've had a lot of conversations with players who believe they should be playing and this will be an opportunity for them.

"I erase personalities from situations like this. I look at past performances and use my gut feeling."