Steve Coppell targets return to management

Steve Coppell is ready to return to football management - and that could alert struggling Hull City.

The 54-year-old wanted a break after quitting Reading following the Berkshire club's failure to clinch promotion back to the Premier League.

But the former Manchester United and England winger is now on the look-out for a fresh challenge and he admits he would relish taking charge of a top-flight club.

Despite the win over Stoke City last weekend, Tigers boss Phil Brown is under real pressure, while Championship outfit Peterborough United are also looking for a new manager after sacking Darren Ferguson.

Coppell, who was Reading's most successful-ever manager after guiding the club to the top-flight for the first time in their history, said: "It's hard to advertise yourself so you just hover and wait. I have no expectation of where I want to manage.

"In a dream world it would be the Premier League, but realistically my only chance is a Premier League team in trouble or a Championship team in trouble.

"I had nine years full-on in management and I wanted the summer to take time out, which I have done. I have only just crawled out of my pit after a back injury and now the clocks have gone back I am bored and I want to get back, so now it is a case of waiting and seeing what comes up.

"I am not going to jump into anything. The number one criteria is I'm allowed to manage. The relationship with the chairman is important, but I like to be left alone."