Reading FC hero must regret leaving - he never hit the same heights after | OneFootball

Former Reading FC manager Steve Coppell led the Royals to unprecedented success during his time at the Madejski Stadium

Former Reading FC manager Steve Coppell led the Royals to unprecedented success during his time at the Madejski Stadium, but his decision to resign in 2009 marked the beginning of the end for his managerial career.

After guiding Reading to a record-breaking Championship title and Premier League promotion - Coppell's subsequent moves proved somewhat disappointing - and he never reached the heights he achieved in Berkshire again.

The mastermind behind Reading's rise to the Premier League gradually faded from the footballing world ever so slightly following his departure.

Steve Coppell was a record-breaker at Reading FC

Steve Coppell's time at Reading FC does represent one of the most remarkable achievements in English football history.

Taking charge in 2003, Coppell made the Royals pretty much unstoppable - which resulted in the historic 2005/06 Championship season where they amassed an incredible 106 points - a record for a 46-match season.

The numbers from that season remain staggering - especially when you put into perspective that Leeds and Burnley both finished the 2024/25 Championship season on 100 points.

Under Coppell's guidance - Reading won 31 matches, drew 12 - losing only twice, earning their first-ever promotion to the Premier League.

What made Coppell's achievement extra impressive was the resources at his disposal. Unlike many modern promotion-winning sides relying on parachute payments, Reading didn't have heavy investments or marquee signings.

In an interview with World Football Index, Coppell reflected on his time in Berkshire by saying, "When I took the job, I... that chapter of my career was extraordinary." Extraordinary is definitely the right way to put it.

Reading manager Brian McDermott (L) and Crawley Town's Director of Football Steve Coppell (R) before the game

Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Adam Holt

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When Reading suffered relegation from the Premier League in 2008, Coppell did stay to try and guide them back up, but despite a strong start, their form deteriorated in the final months of the season.

The tipping point was May 2009, when Reading lost 3-0 on aggregate to Burnley in the play-off semi-finals. Coppell resigned just hours after the defeat and said, "following our play-off exit I feel it's the best thing, for both the club and myself, for me to leave".

Leaving so soon was perhaps a rash decision - and what followed was a stark contrast to the success he was familiar with.

Coppell's next move saw him take charge at Bristol City in 2010 where he signed a 12-month rolling contract - but resigned after just 112 days.

Barring stints in India between 2016-2019 - Coppell announced his retirement from football management at the age of 55 in 2010 - he started when he was 28. Although he did hold Director of Football roles at Crawley Town and Portsmouth FC for a little while between 2012 and 2014.

Coppell's Reading magic couldn't be replicated at Bristol City

The contrast between Coppell's success and longevity at Reading compared to that oh so very brief spell at Bristol City raises questions about what made that Reading job so special.

With the Royals, Coppell managed to build a sustainable footballing side over nearly six years - with reassurance provided by Chairman John Madjeski.

It was perhaps this reassurance he lacked with the Robins, maybe finding it hard to recreate the same or similar connection with a new group of players and pressure to deliver immediate success seemed to have taken its toll.

It is worth noting that Coppell had an even shorter tenure at Manchester City in 1996, lasting 33 days - yes, 33. This could mean certain club environments didn't go hand-in-hand with his style or needs - where it did at Reading.

Looking back, his decision to leave Reading might be one he regrets. While the club have been through very tough times since his departure, Coppell's own career effectively ended with his Reading exit - and they were clearly the perfect match for each other.