Good news for Doyle and Long

**The Legend** · 07/07/2006, 5:58 PM

COPPELL TO GIVE HIS STRIKERS THE CHANCE
Reading manager Steve Coppell has given his frontmen a vote of confidence to succeed in the Premiership as he will not add to his strikeforce.

The Royals scored 99 league goals in the Championship last season during their record breaking title campaign.

Dave Kitson was top scorer with 22 goals, Kevin Doyle grabbed 19, Leroy Lita hit 15 despite missing the end of the season with a broken ankle, and youngster Shane Long netted four in just a handful of appearances.

Coppell insists he is more than happy for them to battle it out amongst themselves for starting places in the top flight.

"I don't want a striker. I have got four and between them I think they can do a job," he told the Reading Evening Post.

"I like to have tight numbers but I am well aware I need a bigger squad. That will give them until after Christmas when the transfer window opens to show what they can do."

**micls** · 07/07/2006, 6:04 PM

Doyle was given the number 9 shirt for the new season as well as opposed to the 19 e had last year

**pete** · 07/07/2006, 6:20 PM

I dont think Long will cut in the Premiership.

**Plastic Paddy** · 07/07/2006, 6:40 PM

It's far too early to tell Pete. Likewise with Doyle - they're still both young enough to adapt if they have the talent and application and in Long's case he's still got plenty of growing to do physically... let's return to this in twelve months' time and see where they are then as we'll all have more of an idea. Give it time.

PP

**joema** · 07/07/2006, 6:44 PM

Would have liked tro have seen Long sent out on loan to a Championship side.
Doyle is well able for the Prem imo

**micls** · 07/07/2006, 7:08 PM

I think in time Long will be a better player than Doyle. A loan spell to championship mightve helped him alright though

**joema** · 07/07/2006, 7:11 PM

Originally Posted by micls

I think in time Long will be a better player than Doyle. A loan spell to championship mightve helped him alright though

Yeah I think so - every time I've seen him I've been impressed but every time his off the ball runs seem suspect - needs to work on this - best place to do that is in the championship not the premiership imo

**balls** · 07/07/2006, 7:14 PM

hopefully shane will get games and score a few goals. he has risen to every level he has played at so far

**The Legend** · 08/07/2006, 6:08 AM

I think they'll both do pretty well, especially Doyle... a lot better luck and year than Elliott had last season I hope!

**livehead1** · 10/07/2006, 3:20 PM

Originally Posted by micls

I think in time Long will be a better player than Doyle. A loan spell to championship mightve helped him alright though

i said that as soon as long came on the scene and at the time i cant recall one person backing me up on it, i still believe it though.

**bwagner** · 13/07/2006, 3:03 PM

seol just signed from wolves...bad news

**bawn79** · 14/07/2006, 8:59 AM

Long comes from a tough GAA background (ex-Tipp Minor hurler), I can see him having bags of charactor so i think he will make it.

**drinkfeckarse** · 14/07/2006, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by bwagner

seol just signed from wolves...bad news

Why, he's a midfielder

**bwagner** · 14/07/2006, 12:16 PM

you sure buddy?
i know he scores a good few goals

**drinkfeckarse** · 14/07/2006, 12:36 PM

I haven't checked but I'm fairly sure, I know he chipped in with a few goals for them alright but if memory serves me he played a lot on the right or in the middle of the park....

**joeSoap** · 14/07/2006, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by drinkfeckarse

Why, he's a midfielder

He played as a striker during the 2002 world cup, but played as a midfielder in this one....could be a jack of all trades...

Could be decent though

see here.

**bwagner** · 14/07/2006, 1:24 PM

hope he is a midfield player

**Stuttgart88** · 17/07/2006, 3:13 PM

SHANE WITH ROYALS FOR THE LONG TERM
Republic of Ireland Under-19 striker Shane Long has signed a new three-year
contract with Barclays Premiership newcomers Reading.
The 19-year-old scored four goals in 15 appearances after joining the club
from Cork City for a nominal fee.
Long had originally been contracted until 2007 but that has now been
superseded by a deal until the summer of 2009.
Long said: ``The last year has been brilliant for me. I feel like I've really
progressed since joining Reading last summer and I'm delighted to sign this new
deal.
``Like the rest of the boys, I can't wait for the new season to start. It's
going to be a big learning curve for me, and I'm looking forward to the
challenge.''
Director of football Nick Hammond added: ``Shane is a truly outstanding
prospect and this signature is very good news for Reading Football Club. It is
important that we've protected such a prodigious talent.
``Shane made a great impact last season, and there is a massive test in front
of him in the Premiership this season but we have great faith in his
abilities.''
end
-0- Jul/17/2006 15:00 GMT