The efforts put in by Reading supporters played a major role in keeping Steve Coppell at the Club, according to our Director Of Football Nick Hammond.

In the days after our relegation to the Championship, hundreds of fans gathered at Madejski Stadium, near to Steve's parking space, and showed their support for the manager and how much they wanted him to stay.

Coppell has admitted this played a part in his decision to stay with the Royals, and Hammond believes it had great significance when he came to make his mind up.

Nick told Reading World, "He was touched by the support, and it was a major point in terms of his decision making.

"There was backing in the squad, and the fans were magnificent at Derby, then there was the reaction from them later in the week as well."

Nick continued, "He took his time, and rightly so. There was enormous emotion after the Derby game.

"We met on the Monday morning, and he had a couple of days to reflect and take the right course of action.

"He had further meetings with the Chairman and fortunately we have the right result."

The full interview with Nick is on World now - see our free preview clip.

Video from the fans' demo is also online - see the preview clip.