RoyaleeThaumagurist*Royalee Mark McGhee and Alan Pardew both did more for the club's long term progress than Coppell also.
Wha....................????
I'd rate Coppell's 2005/6 side much higher than McGhoo's 1994 side and Pardoo's 2001/2 side.
Different starting points, of course the team we won the Championship with was better, but Coppell had a far better starting point than the previous two and as a direct result of their work.
You may say that, but I'd argue that Coppell left Reading in a better state than McGhoo and Pardoo ever did.
McGhoo:
Took the backroom staff from Reading and returned at the end of season to rob us of Taylor. And then next season robbed us of Williams and Gilkes. Where did Reading go after this? Downwards, of course!
Pardoo:
Sold Butler and brought in Goater. Also bought Murray who was a bit duff. Attempted to sign Shorey from us. It took Coppell two seasons to re-shape the team.
If you look at the team now, I'd reckon Rodgers has a better starting position than Coppell, Pardoo and McGhoo ever had.