Coppell to reward Reading’s
Irish trio
 By Gareth Makim
Promotion to the Premiership is one of the finest moments of a player’s
career but can often be tinged with more than a little uncertainty for
those who suddenly find themselves wondering whether their manager believes
they have what it takes to step up to the next level or if they will be
forced to make way as the influx of summer recruits begins.
In the last year alone both Wigan and Sunderland have cast aside key Irish
members of their promoted sides. Midfielder Alan Mahon, a Championship
regular, has struggled to get on the pitch for the Latics and was sent
back to the lower divisions on loan to Burnley.
Mick McCarthy jettisoned Sean Thornton after the Drogheda man helped Sunderland
to the title — he now plies his trade for League One Doncaster.
So it was refreshing to hear Reading manager Steve Coppell assure his
squad that each of them would have a part to play in the Royals Premiership
assault next season.
He said: “In terms of reward they all deserve the opportunity to
be a part of things next year.”
Coppell has shown particular faith in the Irish contingent at Reading
with Eircom League bargain-buy Kevin Doyle the most notable member of
the club’s band of green. But while the striker was always likely
to play a huge part in next season’s efforts fellow Irishmen Shane
Long and Stephen Hunt will be among those delighted at Coppell’s
endorsement.
Both players have been on the fringe of Reading’s charge to the
title with Hunt making more than 30 substitute appearances this year alone.
Long, still just 19 and like Doyle an astute purchase from Cork City,
has only recently broken into the matchday squad but has rewarded his
boss with four goals in just 11 appearances including two in the 5-0 thrashing
of Derby that clinched the Championship crown.
Coppell also looks set to continue his policy of recruiting players from
Irish clubs after he was spotted at Belfield recently watching UCD earn
a scoreless draw against Cork. Students goalkeeper Darren Quigley and
midfielder Gary Dicker are regarded as Coppell’s primary targets.
Should they too sign on at the Madejski it would ensure a massive Irish
presence at one of the most exciting sides to earn promotion in several
years.
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