Coppell took the helm at the Madejski Stadium in October 2003 and steered them to the Premier League before their relegation last May.

Karacan said: "I came to Reading in the year that Steve did. I think he was involved in bringing me in. He's been brilliant.

"Obviously there was a lot of speculation recently about whether he would leave, but he's decided to stay and get us back up, and everyone was delighted when he signed a new contract.

"Everyone's buzzing and the fact that Doyler (Kevin Doyle) and Hunty (Stephen Hunt) have stayed is partly down to him and the fact they enjoy playing at Reading.

"The boys enjoy playing under him and it shows. We don't need to speak to him that often, as everyone knows their jobs and what they need to be doing."