Coppell refused to speculate on his future immediately after the game but several hours later confirmed he had stepped down.
The former Man Utd winger and former Crystal Palace manager joined Reading in 2003, he took the club to the Premier League playing two seasons at the top level before last years relagation. He had hoped to take the club straight back into the top flight but a poor run of home form meant a play off place and not automatic promotion and then the poor performance at the Madejski last night condemned the club to another season in the Championship.
"Following our play-off exit I feel it's the best thing, for both the club and myself, for me to leave," Coppel announced early this morning.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Reading manager and would like to thank everyone connected to the club for the support I have received."
Speaking after Coppell's resignation chairman Sir John Madejski said,
"I am very disappointed to confirm that Steve has decided to step aside as our manager, but I respect his wishes. I would like to thank Steve sincerely for everything he has done for Reading over the last five-and-a-half years, which has been the most successful period in the club's history."