Coppell fears ahead of milestone

Coppell: Reading woes

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Steve Coppell will go into his 1,000th game at the helm of Reading with concerns over the future of their promotion bid.

The Royals boss, who will reach the milestone at Doncaster in midweek, saw his side go down 1-0 at home to Ipswich with Jon Stead scoring the only goal of the game.

Coppell's men have claimed just one win from their last eight and they fell behind for the sixth game in succession, while they have scored just two in their last five at home.

Coppell said: "I'm joining a very limited club and am proud to be doing so. I suppose I must have done something right but whatever I was doing right I'm not doing at the moment.

"A manager's longevity depends on results so if I don't liven up I'm fully aware of the consequences.

"It's painful. I feel for the fans and I feel for the players because they are trying.

"From February onwards we have been less than average at home. We have nine games to go, six are away and at this stage of the season it is harder for home teams.

"But that is no excuse - we know we are not performing to our potential at the moment. We are not playing well enough to win games."

Very proud

Ipswich manager Jim Magilton knows his players can compete with anyone in the Championship after their draw at leaders Wolves in midweek.

He said: "We have gone to Molineux and the Madejski and taken four points so I can't praise my players enough for their commitment, work ethic, attitude and application to their roles.

"I'm very proud of them. They have been absolutely fantastic. We've still got a chance of making the play-offs."

Ipswich weathered an early storm and were by far the better side after Stead netted his 10th goal of the season in spectacular style.

Magilton said: "It was a training ground goal - not. He's our top scorer and has had real moments for us. You have got to show belief in Jon and if you do you will get more performances like that.

"He hasn't always played well for us but he did today."