Steve Coppell believes Reading have peaked under his management.

Coppell, who took over as boss in October 2003, said: "I'm looking very shortly at having some time off. My first stint at Crystal Palace was nine years, bits here and there and then Brentford, Brighton and four years here. I am probably due a break.

"I'd do what Paul Jewell has done, play a bit of golf, get out of the environment a bit and then try to re- educate. I'd love to go and watch all the top managers here and abroad."

Coppell, 52, took Reading into the top-flight two seasons ago for the first time.

The Royals finished in eighth place last season, just one point short of securing a UEFA Cup place.

But this year they are struggling.

Coppell added: "I can't enjoy management. I work all week to win a game. If we win I have an unbelievable high for 20 minutes. But then it's thinking about the next game. If we are beaten it's a bottomless pit."