Four days ago Andy Hughes left the field at the Madejski Stadium and was greeted by a barrage of abuse for the second time in two games.
But today it was all change as Reading's travelling faithful got behind the whole-hearted midfielder.
Speaking after the game Coppell thanked the supporters for backing the off-form former Notts County man.
"I'm glad the crowd made a determined effort to make amends for midweek and I know Hughesy would thank them for that," he said.
There had been some speculation that Coppell would drop Andy Hughes this afternoon in favour of American international winger Bobby Convey, but it seems that the manager is eager to help 26-year-old Hughes through his difficult spell.
"A couple of times in the last 25 minutes he made a couple of terrific tackles, and unfortunately for the boo boys I value him immensely," he added.