By Matthew Grant and Mark Sugar
February 20 2004

As Reading v Gillingham is only a day away now, the 1871royals.co.uk team bring the third of our Exclusive interviews, this time being with Manager, Steve Coppell ahead of the game big game.

1. What are the chances of Kevin Watson, Steve Sidwell and Steve Brown being fit for Saturday?

 “Kevin Watson is 50/50. Sidwell should be fit. Brown is struggling but Steve Brown defies the odd sometimes.”

2. We come up against a Gillingham side who have proved their class this season by already knocking Charlton out of the FA Cup, what type of game do you expect?

“Gillingham are a battle harden team who have the ability to beat any side. It will be a hostile game and will not be helped with the small pitch which will make our job harder.” 

3. How difficult is it being a player-manager like Gills boss Andy Hessentalier is?

“You have the management but the relief of the football side where you can enter another world. Though saying that it must be very hard and demanding. Looking back I wish I had the chance to experience it.” 

4. Do you think we have the players in the squad to cope without Nicky Forster?

“Every team has key players and Nicky Forster is that to us. We must learn to live without key players. Nicky does give us that difference. You look at Arsenal at the weekend managed to cope with Henry and beat Chelsea.” 

5. What’s happened in training since the 5-1 defeat to Rotherham?

"The attitude of the players was fabulous. I would have liked to have done a week of work on defensive work but I have not had the luxury of that option, with Murty away on International duty, Steve Brown injured along with Adie Williams and Ivar away with his partner expecting there first child."    

6. Do you treat every game exactly the same because with the results against Rotherham, Wimbledon it seems to suggest we struggle against the lesser sides?

"Yes I do, I am constant in my preparation whatever the result. Whether a good win or defeat. I have never believed in changing things about. I was talking to Lennie Lawrence a while ago who was having the opposite problem where Cardiff were beating the lower sides comfortably but were struggling against the bigger teams"

7. It will be nice to have two home games next week with us not having one since the Derby victory

"Yes it will, the home games are very important and these two games could make or break our season."

 

Thanks Steve.