Royal Doyle thanks departing Coppell for ‘best four years’

READING’S Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle yesterday paid tribute to departing Royals manager Steve Coppell.

In 2005, the Reading boss signed Doyle from Cork City for a bargain €117,000. Since then Doyle has become an established international, experienced the joy of promotion, played two years of Premier League football before the heartache of relegation and endured the frustration of failed promotion bid this season.

It’s been a rollercoaster ride but the 25-year-old is grateful to Coppell for giving him his shot at the big time.