Reading FC legendary manager Brian McDermott and Steve Coppell reflected on a momentous day for the club as they celebrated 150 years of history.
Both of their teams, Coppell’s record breaking 106 Championship winners and McDermott’s Championship winners from 2011/12 put on an entertaining match with 13 goals scored.
There were plenty of fans favourites on display once again in the famous blue and white hoops, including captain’s from each team Graeme Murty and Jobi McAnuff.
Leroy Lita was in fantastic scoring form for Coppell’s men, as was Jason Roberts for McDermott’s team.
Former club captain Jem Karacan also got on the scoresheet with a sublime chip, while Kevin Doyle netted for Coppell’s team.
Brian Howard had an excellent second-half cameo which saw him hit a hat-trick, including a spectacular free-kick.
Reflecting on the day, Coppell said: “haven’t been here for a couple of years so to come back and see so many familiar faces and be in this environment again.
“The crowd were fabulous.
“ I loved it in the dressing room beforehand, the players rose to the occasion. There were so many good players on display for both teams “
McDermott commented on the exceptional quality of the match and was delighted to see so many players return to mark the event.
He said: “I was surprised about the quality of the game, it was terrific. The fans got involved in the game. Some of the goals today were fab.
“ It’s all about good people. I walk into my dressing room, it’s like going back 10 years, I had a lovely, lovely day.”
Both bosses were highly complementary of each others teams.
Coppell continued: “The team reflects the manager, they are a reflection of the manager. The manager doesn’t give up, the team doesn’t give up.
“The team showed some strong committed football and got what they deserve with promotion.
“Speaking to a lot of people, they are talking about the past rather than looking forward to the future.
“I hope that changes because it’s a lovely club wit some terrific people here behind the scenes.”
McDermott continued: “What’s important was the occasion. Everyone knows Steve’s team, they are the best team the Championship has ever seen.
“The record of 106 might go one day but it will take some doing. I can’t see it really.
“It’s a fabulous team and a fabulous bunch of guys.”
Both managers looked ahead and gave their thoughts on the Royals future which has begun this summer with a restructure with Paul Ince being appointed as manager, Mark Bowen returning as Head of Football operations.
Coppell said: “I hope from next season they have some more to cheer about rather than escaping relegation.”
McDermott said: “I look at what’s happening with Mark (Bowen) coming in. I think that’s good. Brian (Carey) is in as head of recruitment, I know him really well.
“I get the sense that things are starting to go in the right direction.
“They’ve now got to get the fans back, communicate with the supporters the good and bad stuff, you’ve got to tell them what’s going on,
“But I get a good feeling about what’s going to happen this summer.
“It will be a tough season, there’s no doubt about that with the money side of it but I can see a lot of success coming this way.
“That’s what everybody wants. It’s a great club, it’s got a great base.
“When Steve came there wasn’t a whole lot of history, but now we’ve got some history at this football club With Steve’s team getting to the Premier League, finishing eighth in the Premier League and our team that got promoted.
“There is some history and now we need to build on that.”
