No Rush For Coppell Signature

Reading director of football Nick Hammond has said that there is no need to rush into getting Steve Coppell to sign a new contract with the club.

Coppell's current three year contract is going to run out in the summer will no doubt be being looked at by other clubs and he has even been tipped to take over the England manager's job when Sven quits.

Under the guidance of Coppell, Reading a virtually in the Premiership for the first time in their 135 year history and they are doing it in style with a comfortable 14 point lead over second placed Sheffield United.

But Hammond insists there is no need to rush things, he said:

'Steve's contract expires at the end of the season, but there's no need to panic.

'For us to have our manager connected with such prestigious roles is all a welcome indication of the progress Reading Football Club has made over the last few years.

'It is very flattering, but I've spoken to Steve in reference to his contract and we're both comfortable with the situation.

'At this time he just wants to be 100% with the team and concentrate solely on achieving the targets that we have set for ourselves. He and I are comfortable with that and we'll talk closer to the time.

'The mindset this season has very much been one thing at a time and to give all our attentions to the next challenge. It has stood us in good stead so far and we are not going to change that mentality at this stage of the season.

'The next challenge is to win the next game - as it has been all season - and to secure promotion. Only then will other matters come to the fore.'

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