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Eurosport.yahoo.com continues its countdown to the Championship season with a preview of Reading's chances.

Manager: Steve Coppell

Last 10 seasons in the Championship (2007/08 to 1998/99): -/-/1/7/9/4/-/-/-/-

POSSIBLE STARTING XI (new signings in bold):

Marcus Hahnemann

Graeme Murty - Liam Rosenior - Ivar Ingimarsson - Stephen Hunt

Jimmy Kebe - Brynjar Gunnarsson - James Harper - Bobby Convey

Kevin Doyle - Noel Hunt

BACK-UPS FROM:

Adam Federici

Alex Pearce - Michael Duberry - Ibrahima Sonko - Andre Bikey

Kalifa Cisse - Marek Matejovsky - Jem Karacan - James Henry

Shane Long - Leroy Lita

POSITIVES:

Reading have a man in charge who has seen it all in domestic football and remains one of the league's most down-to-earth characters. Steve Coppell took the Royals into the Premier League when they romped to the Championship title and missed out on the UEFA Cup the following season by a single point - the boss winning consecutive manager of the year awards. Back in the second tier, he has retained many of his best players despite interest from above: Stephen Hunt, James Harper, Marcus Hahnemann and Kevin Doyle will excel one level down. American beefcake Hahnemann is a safe pair of hands while the experience of Graeme Murty at full-back will be crucial; Doyle will be joined by tricky wide man Hunt's brother Noel in attack following his move from Dundee United. The defence boasts strength in depth and there are several youngsters tipped by Coppell to stake a claim for a place this season: midfielder Jem Karacan, wingers James Henry and Hal Robson-Kanu and defender Alex Pearce could be involved.

NEGATIVES:

Coppell's enthusiasm for the job seemed to wane with Reading's bout of second-season syndrome, as highlighted by his steadfast refusal to become enthused by the FA Cup last season - a competition where he in entrenched in folklore following his playing exploits with Manchester United and managerial achievements with Crystal Palace. He saw left-back Nicky Shorey leave just before the start of the season for Aston Villa and has admitted he may have to play forward-thinking Stephen Hunt in the position until he can replace him; Glen Little and Dave Kitson have also departed, the latter bringing in a helpful £5.5 million - although money is not a problem with John Madejski at the helm. Emerse Fae and Sam Sodje have also left, although they barely featured last season.

VERDICT:

Reading fans will be looking forward to a season spent in the top places in the Championship, but they may be in for a shock. Although certainly capable of the play-offs, the Royals will struggle to attack the top two; and they may just find themselves in the mid-reaches of the division.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport