Coppell on Scouting Mission

Reading boss Steve Coppell has revealed he will spend the weekend catching up on some scouting.

There are no games in the Championship this weekend due to the World Cup Qualifiers and Coppell has welcomed the break as it will give him a chance to have a look at some potential new signings as well as researching some of Reading's forthcoming opponents.

After spending two seasons in the top flight, the Royals boss has admittedly lost touch with some of the Championship sides and believes this weekend to be the perfect opportunity to top up his knowledge of Reading's rivals.

He said: 'I'll be watching a game somewhere. I've also got a stockpile of videos - football games, not films! I can watch some games of teams coming up. Being in the Premiership we were out of the loop, this is a chance to catch up.

'This is just a chance to change the routine. I enjoy going somewhere and not being in game mode. We'll be about and about seeing matches in preparation for the next window.'

Meanwhile Coppell has admitted he is fairly satisfied with the start to the new season and was pleased with the full league debuts of Alex Pearce, Jem Karacan and Chris Armstrong.

He said: 'Our start has been on the good side of OK.

'In many ways it was determined by Saturday's result against Palace. If we'd had a poor result it would have been a poor start, but a good result meant it was a decent start.

'Jem's performance was very good, he showed great energy and really got around the pitch and got involved in things. He wasn't overawed in possession either.

'He, Alex Pearce and Chris Armstrong can all be pleased with various aspects of their performances. Considering we had three new players in there it was a good performance.'

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