Under Fire Boss Defends Quick-Fire Sale

Last updated : 25 March 2004 By Rob Cooper
Much-criticised boss Steve Coppell has fired back in the war-of-words with the Reading faithful.

The 43-year-old has been bamboozled by a barrage of criticism ever since he took control of first team affairs last autumn, but today's shock revelation that Scott Murray has been sold to Bristol City handed the fans further ammunition.

But replying to the criticisms, Coppell has slammed supporters for not thinking of the long-term impact of the transfer.

Although winger Scott Murray has struggled to make much of an impact on the first team in recent weeks many fans rated him as a better player than the at times headless Andy Hughes so were disappointed to see Scott depart after just eight months at the club.

Responding to angry jibes made by the fans boss Coppell, who has in the past stated that his side are capable of achieving a play-off finish this season, effectively wrote off the remainder of the season.

"I could have turned it down, but I felt the offer Bristol made was too good for us to turn down," said the under-fire boss, speaking to the official site.

"To an extent I am leaving myself open to criticism in the short-term, but this was a decision made for the long-term benefit of the Club.

"All season Danny Wilson has been phoning about him (Murray), and since the Forest game, when he was injured, he’s not really found a place in the team."

However, on a brighter note Coppell hinted that following today's sale a more serious assault on the transfer market awaits in the summer months with a view to actually attempting to make a top six push next season.

"Given the situation we're in and what I would like to do in the future, when Bristol came in with a firm offer to take him back, we all felt it was the right thing to do," he added.

Although Murray has made his departure after just eight months at the club, the Royals have been successful in securing the services of frontman Lloyd Owusu on a permanent basis today.

Of course, in addition Reading signed injury-prone full-back Dean Gordon on loan from Coventry to cover for Nicky Shorey, whilst unproven Trinidad & Tobago goalkeeper also signed for the Royals on a short term deal.

Whilst realistically fans cannot expect to see their side attain a top six finish following today's unambitious transfer dealing, should Reading finish outside the Play-Off places, Coppell's position in the hot seat could get even hotter.