Steve Coppell has been named the official Coca-Cola Championship Manager Of The Month for December.

Steve guided us to five wins and two draws, the best record of any team in the division, and one of those victories was the stunning 3-1 at promotion rivals Birmingham.

Steve told readingfc.co.uk, "I am absolutely delighted to win the award.

"From a footballing point of view, in many ways this has been a difficult year, so to finish on a high note is very pleasing and I can only give thanks to my staff and the players for all their hard work."

He also laughed off suggestions that winning the award carries a 'curse', joking, "I'm not bothered about that - if there is a curse, give me the award every other month because we'd still be doing ok!"

Chris Kamara from the judging panel said, "Steve Coppell is once again demonstrating just why he is one of the best managers around.

"He lost several players over the summer as a result of Reading's relegation from the Premiership but has moulded a team that are mounting a serious title challenge in the Championship.

"Their away win at Birmingham was an outstanding result and proof, if needed, that the Royals are on track to return to the Premiership at the first time of asking."

Steve saw off competition from Mick McCarthy and Neil Warnock, as well as Dave Jones, whose Cardiff City team we take on this weekend in the FA Cup.

He had already been nominated for one manager of the month award back in October this season, but saw the award go to Burnley's Owen Coyle.

It is his first Manager Of The Month award since back in December 2006 when he won recognition whilst riding high in the Barclays Premiership.

During his time at Madejski Stadium he has twice been voted the country's Manager Of The Year - first after promotion in 2006 then the next year following our superb first ever season in England's top flight.

Steve has been in charge of Reading for 260 games, winning 119, drawing 61 and losing 80. He is now close to 1000 total games in club management, having started with Crystal Palace back in the 1980s.