Bermudan forward Shaun Goater reckons that Steve Coppell will shortly become Reading's new manager.
Coppell has been heavily linked with the Royals in recent days, yet despite all the speculation Royals fans are still eagerly awaiting the big announcement. Originally the club had hoped to have a new man installed a week ago. Even though there has been a considerable delay Goater fully expects Coppell to take control at the Mad Stad.
Speaking to the Royal Gazette, Goater revealed: "It is no secret that Steve, has been interviewed for the job at Reading and has been thinking it over. It would be a major surprise to me if we were called down to the ground and they unveiled someone different."
It seems that the fans frustrations at the amount of time the appointment has taken is echoed by the players. Reading have lost four, drawn one and won one since Pardew left the club, an abysmal record for a club supposedly after promotion.
Goater, a summer signing from Manchester City is hoping that the situation isn't going to drag on any longer.
"The whole situation seems to have taken an eternity," he added.
"As players you need some direction, and that is true at any firm or company, you need a leader."
Despite previously insisting that the new manger would be in place for last Saturday's home game against Bradford, Coppell may not be placed in charge of the Royals in time for next Tuesday's game at home to Gillingham.
The complications surrounding the proposed appointment are reported to have continued and it is believed that Reading will unveil their new manager on Friday at the very earliest.
Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion, who may soon have to embark on their own manager search, have denied they are interested in appointing Walsall man Paul Merson as their player-manager should Coppell pack his bags for Reading.
It is alleged that the former Arsenal & Middlesborough centre-forward is the Seagulls preferred candidate for the role. However, in a statement today the Withdean Stadium side were remaining tight-lipped.
"With the amount of speculation going on at the moment, the chairman may have someone in mind," said a club spokesman.
"But, our situation remains the same as it was. Steve Coppell is still our manager and it would be inappropriate to comment while this is the case. It would be wrong to jump the gun."
Reading MAD will of course keep you up to date with all the latest developments.
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