Coppell urges the Royals to fight to finish for promotion

(PA)

The Reading manager, Steve Coppell, wants his side to finish the season on a high after their 2-0 victory at Norwich City ensured three teams will be fighting for one automatic promotion place on the final day of the Championship on Sunday.

Two Shane Long goals claimed victory as the Royals moved to within two points of third-placed Sheffield United, who are a point adrift of Birmingham in second. Coppell's side host the Blues on Sunday while the Blades visit Crystal Palace, who are managed by United fan and former manager Neil Warnock. Should Birmingham win they will be promoted, but if the game at the Madejski Stadium is a draw and United win then the South Yorkshire side would go up.

However, should Reading win and the Blades lose, then the Royals would make an immediate return to the Premier League on goal difference from Birmingham. Another outcome would see Reading promoted on goal difference if they win and the Blades manage only a draw.

Coppell said: "We want to finish as high up the league as we can. We have a dog's chance of success but that's better than no chance. Everyone outside of Norwich was looking for this result to make it exciting on Sunday and it hopefully will be."

Coppell also contradicted reports he is ready to retire, saying: "I've had an awful lot of people congratulate me on my retirement and ask me my plans but it's absolute rubbish. What would I do all day? It's a non-story. No one has any idea what I'll be doing this summer, not even me, but it's a nonsense to say that I want to walk away from football."

While Reading's victory set up a final-day thriller, it pushed Norwich one step closer to relegation. Their manager, Bryan Gunn, admitted his side need a miracle to survive as they prepare for a trip to Charlton Athletic, who are already relegated. The Canaries are staring at a season in the third tier for the first time in almost half a century and go into the final day three points behind Barnsley in the final relegation place – albeit with a superior goal difference.

Gunn said: "My captain, Gary Doherty, said after the game that funny things happen in football and we have to believe that a miracle can happen. We hope Plymouth help us out by putting on a performance against Barnsley in front of their own fans and we need lady luck to smile on us. But we have to do our own job first and focus on that for four or five days.

"The spirit was there for all to see but we didn't create too many openings. We have to face up to it but there is still a chance. I will lift the players and get them fresh, fit and focused for what will be a difficult day."