"At the end of the season you receive the letter asking you to pick your manager of the year," said Boothroyd.
"The criteria is 'who has done the best with the resources at their disposal?' For me, that's Steve Coppell by a mile.
"Without a shadow of a doubt, Steve Coppell would be my manager of the year. I think he's done great.
"I thought Reading would stay up and be mid-table, but I didn't think they'd get to Europe. It's a hell of an achievement if Reading do get into Europe.
"He's one I look to and have a lot of respect for because he's not always had it great, but it's a credit how he's doing now."
For Boothroyd it's back to the Championship. His Watford side are already relegated.