Coppell commits to Reading despite the drop

(CNN) -- Steve Coppell has decided to stay on as Reading manager despite his club's relegation to the second-tier of English football this season.

Coppell had been expected to quit after Reading's final day heartbreak which saw them win 4-0 at Derby County but still go down after Fulham's last-gasp win at FA Cup winners Portsmouth.

He has been considering his future since but it was the support of Reading fans which persuaded him to stay at the Madejski Stadium.

"The reaction of the supporters had a bearing on my decision, as did my relationship with the chairman John Madejski and everyone at the club. "I'm very pleased to be staying," Coppell told the Press Association on Tuesday.

Former Manchester United and England international Coppell has been in charge of Reading for nearly five years.

He masterminded their first ever promotion to the Premier League in 2006 with a record 106 points and they surprised observers by finishing eighth last season, narrowly missing out on a place in the UEFA Cup.

But the current season proved less successful and after a 0-0 draw at eventual champions Manchester United on the opening day of the season it was defensive frailties which left them battling unsuccessfully against the drop.