Steve Coppell has resigned as manager of Reading in the
wake of the club's 2-0 defeat at home to Burnley in the second leg
of the Championship play-offs on Tuesday night.
The Royals were looking to make an immediate return to
the Premier League following their relegation last season and had
made a superb start to the campaign only to see their form fall
away in the final three months of the season.
Second-half goals from Martin Paterson and Steven Thompson at
the Madejski Stadium ended the Royals hopes and instead ensured
Burnley will play Sheffield United at Wembley for a place in the
Premier League.
Coppell had initially refused to comment on his future in the
post-match press conference but just a few hours later the
53-year-old confirmed his departure in a statement on Reading's
official website.
"Following our exit from the play-offs, I feel it's the best
thing, for both the club and myself, for me to leave," he said.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Reading manager and would
like to thank everyone connected to the club for the support I have
received."