Coppell set to wield axe

TWELVE MONTHS is a long time in football. Just ask Kevin Doyle. This time last year the Royals forward was making a challenge for the Premier League’s golden boot and helping his side in an unlikely push for a UEFA Cup spot.

Fast forward a year, though, and the Irish international has been marooned on the wing, scored only five times, and is confronting the unpleasant reality of a relegation battle.

To add to the decline in fortunes, Doyle was disappointing here, along with Kalifa Cisse, and the duo are likely to be victims in a shake-up planned by Steve Coppell as he bids to save Reading’s season.