Coppell will announce his decision at the end of the week and has admitted he was touched by the tremendous reception he was given by the 3,000-plus travelling fans at the Royals' 4-0 win against Derby County on the final day of the season.

Coppell said: "The fans' support does come into my thinking and I was delighted with the reception they gave me personally.

my future

"From that point of view, I feel blessed to be working for a club where I am appreciated. It's nice to work for a chairman (John Madejski) who wants me.

"I have to say I am delighted with the reaction. That support from the fans wouldn't have been there at any other club.

"They are unique and their response does have a bearing on my future. If the fans were all saying 'he's had his time', I wouldn't be able to stay on."

Coppell, who took over as Reading manager from Alan Pardew in October 2003, has been the club's most successful manager. He led them into the top flight for the first time in their 135-year history, finishing eighth in the Barclays Premier League last season.

But they were relegated on goal difference at the weekend after winning just four matches in 20 since Christmas.