Steve Coppell will walk away from Reading at the end of the season - even if they manage to win promotion back to the Premiership.

The Mail on Sunday says Coppell, who celebrated his 1,000th game as a manager last month, is sticking by a pledge to close friends that this will be his final campaign despite enjoying the run-in to the season.

The former Manchester United and England star stayed at the Madejski Stadium after relegation last season because he felt he owed the club to try to haul them back into the top flight.

Owner John Madejski is believed to be aware of Coppell's intention, with former Reading boss Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley on the shortlist to succeed him.