WOLVES boss Mick McCarthy has made it clear he will be firmly turning down any bids for Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle, suggesting it would “rip the heart out” of the club to lose such a player at this stage of the season.

WEST BROM manager Roy Hodgson believes Shane Long’s “attitude” will ensure he fulfils his potential at the Baggies.

West Brom have finally signed Reading striker Shane Long for an undisclosed fee, the club have confirmed.

MARCO TARDELLI has tipped Shane Long for Premiership stardom after Reading chairman John Madejski yesterday slapped a £20m price tag on the Republic of Ireland striker.

THE competitor in Shaka Hislop still winces at the memory.

Rafael Benitez's position as Liverpool boss will come under even more pressure today following their humiliating third-round exit from the FA Cup.

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Steve Coppell has resigned as manager of Reading in the wake of the club’s 2-0 defeat at home to Burnley in the second leg of the Championship play-offs last night.

Wigan owner Dave Whelan has called for measures to limit clubs’ debt and punish those who spend way beyond their means.

Cliff Richard celebrated half a century at the top of the charts in the UK with a gathering of showbusiness friends today.

Fan power could keep Steve Coppell at relegated Reading after he dropped the strongest hint yet he will stay on as manager and try to lead the club back into the Premier League next season.

Reading owner John Madejski has reiterated his intention to sell the club if he can find a buyer with suitably “deep pockets”.

Reading captain Graeme Murty has been granted a testimonial after 10 years with the club.

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London Irish will play their home games at Reading’s Madejski Stadium until 2026.

Reading have become the first team to announce their participation in next season’s Peace Cup in South Korea.

Publishing company Guardian Media Group said today it was in talks with a trio of private equity bidders looking to buy a minority stake in its Trader Media Group business, which publishes Auto Trader.

Reading have completed the signing of Stoke captain Michael Duberry for an undisclosed fee.

READING pair Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt have both signed new contracts.

READING were making preparations for an assault on the Premiership even before their promotion was confirmed, according to chairman John Madejski.

COCA-COLA Championship side Reading yesterday completed the signings of Kevin Doyle and Shane Long from Cork City.

Reading have confirmed the signing of former England striker Les Ferdinand on a free transfer.

IAIN DUNCAN SMITH’S immediate fate was being determined this weekend with Tory MPs seeking the verdict of the party’s grassroots supporters on his leadership.

WEST HAM yesterday categorically denied encouraging Alan Pardew to walk out on Reading after the League Managers Association (LMA) called for an inquiry into his resignation as Royals manager.

West Ham today categorically denied encouraging Alan Pardew to walk out on Reading after the League Managers Association called for an inquiry into his resignation as Royals manager.

The League Managers Association have called for a Football League investigation into the circumstances which led to Alan Pardew’s resignation as manager of Reading.

Reading today rejected manager Alan Pardew’s resignation after the Royals boss revealed he wanted to leave the club because he has been prevented from speaking to West Ham.

Defences were on top in a Third Division goalless stalemate between Doncaster and Hull in which both sides cancelled each other out.

Alan Pardew is “flattered” by West Ham’s interest in him and would have spoken to them about the vacant Upton Park manager’s job had Reading not rebuffed an approach, according to his agent.

West Ham have had an approach for Reading manager Alan Pardew rejected by Royals chairman John Madejski.