Royals fear Doyle exit
Saturday, 6 June 2009 12:43Reading boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted he may struggle to keep hold of striker Kevin Doyle this summer.
The Republic of Ireland international hit 18 goals for the Royals last season as they missed out on promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship and is one of a number of players likely to attract interest from the top flight.
And Rodgers - who has moved back to the Madejski Stadium from Watford to replace Steve Coppell - expects a challenge to persuade Doyle to remain with the club for another campaign.
He said: 'When you have players who are Premier League players it becomes very difficult to hold onto them in the Championship - especially in the second season.
'I know when I was at Chelsea they were interested in Doyle so I know he is well thought of at that level.
'The reality of keeping him is difficult.
'I want the best players here but I am aware of the reality of the situation so we will see what happens.'
Doyle, along with compatriot Stephen Hunt, signed new contracts last season after moves to Premier League clubs failed to materialise and Rodgers is impressed with the calibre of players at his disposal.
Under Coppell the Royals looked certain to win promotion for the majority of the season until a disastrous loss of form after January and Rodgers is confident of another push for promotion - even if he makes no summer signings.
He said: 'One of the big attractions was the squad just missed out on promotion and are disappointed that they didn't go up. There are not a lot of adjustments needed, even if we do lose some players but fresh faces are always good.
'I know the squad well and even if no one came in it is good enough to challenge.
'It's a very difficult league and from my experience the bottom team can beat the top team. It's so inconsistent and if you can get a run together you can perform.
'I have the ambition to go up. If I wanted to be comfortable I would have sat in my nice blue chair at Chelsea for another 10 years and I still would have been young enough to become a manager but I relish the pressure. It is a privilege.'
