Former Reading manager Steve Coppell has achieved the rare accolade of being honoured in a Commons Early Day Motion tabled by Reading MPs Martin Salter and Rob Wilson. The Motion reads:-

“This House pays tribute to the career of former Reading Football Club manager Steve Coppell; applauds the honesty, decency, modesty, and professionalism he has displayed throughout his managerial career at all his clubs including Brighton, Brentford, Crystal Palace, and Reading; notes that he has been the most successful manager in the history of Reading Football Club, taking Reading FC to the premiership for the first time in their 135 history in a season which saw the club achieve a record 106 points when they were crowned Championship winners in April 2006; further notes his success in the Premiership in guiding Reading to 8^th place, the club’s highest ever position; congratulates him for his numerous awards including the League Managers’ Association’s Manager of the Year in May 2006; regrets his decision to resign as manager of Reading Football Club but wishes him well in the future and considers him to be a magnificent role model of both a professional footballer and manager.”

Martin Salter MP, who is also vice president of the Supporters’ Trust at Reading said:-

“Like every Reading fan I was desperately sad to see Steve Coppell leave our club but he leaves with his head held high having been the most successful manager in Reading’s 138 year history. I have nothing but respect for him and in the cruel and critical world of British football, I have hardly come across anyone who has had a bad word to say about Steve. The manner in which he has conducted himself has been exemplary and he is a role model for others to follow.”