By Henry Winter, Daily Telegraph

Steve Coppell is an established and widely-respected manager. It is no surprise to see Reading's fine manager linked with the England job, although there would be mass surprise if he showed interest. He values his privacy and sanity too much.

Some people talk critcially about Reading suffering the 'second season syndrome,' which is simply a reflection that Coppell has raised expectations.

Promotion was followed by a magnificent season in the Premier League, for which some players got big moves and Coppell was deservedly named the LMA manager of the year [again].

This is familiar stuff to Reading fans but it needs re-stressing. What Coppell has achieved is little more than a miracle.

There are clubs with more distinguished histories languishing outside the top flight: Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday to name but three.

For neutrals, Reading have become a byword for a well-run club with a well-managed team.

For all fans, any defeat is a crisis, any poor month heralds the Grim Reaper's knock at the stadium gates yet Reading under Coppell have defied gravity (although the team needs strenghening).

The main skills of management are player recruitment, good management and decisiveness. Coppell has always unearthed gems, always got players to give everything and can make shrewd substitutions (Ian Wright memorably against Manchester United in the 1990 FA Cup Final).

Coppell is reminder that English managerial talent exists. Reading are very fortunate to have him.

This is an excerpt from an article that first appeared in the Middlesbrough programme. Every week we ask a reporter or pundit for his verdict on the Royals. Look out for Steve McManaman in the Liverpool programme.