Coppell denies Royals abdication

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The former England winger had been quoted earlier in the week saying he was due a break from the rigours of management, having begun that stage of his career at Crystal Palace in 1984.

But Coppell made it clear he was not planning to walk away from the Royals just yet and would instead look to honour a contract that expires at the end of next season, saying: "I just said I was probably due a break at some stage but it was not imminent. Nothing is further from the truth. I have a contract here and my commitment is 100%."

He added: "I really enjoy the job I do but I don't enjoy losing. No-one in their right mind does.

"The actual core of the job - the preparation and the training even on a rainy day like today - gives me that rather than nine to five in an office. It is the by-products that get a bit heavy sometimes."

Coppell was also convinced, however, regular short periods away from the dugout throughout his career had helped him survive so long in the first place.

He said: "I have been a manager for 20 odd years and, not by design but quite often through circumstances, I have had some time out.

"That has contributed to my longevity because it gives you the opportunity to look at other people working and see the current trends.

"That is my way of learning. I try to sniff the atmosphere at other clubs and learn from that."