Reading boss Steve Coppell admits he "can't beat the system".

Coppell says the only way to stay out of trouble is investment, even taking into account Reading's first season in the Premier League.

"That was the dream last year, we took advantage of teams who cocked up," he said. "We had momentum from the previous year, but you beat the system with money.

"It's the only way you can beat the system. I spoke with Sam Allardyce in the summer and I asked him what's the secret to what he did at Bolton and he said 'spend, spend, spend'.

"Unfortunately, that probably is the secret."