Steve Coppell is better known for his cerebral approach. Yesterday, as the Reading manager surveyed the wreckage that is eight successive league defeats, a club record, he adopted a more graphic stance. Asked if he was venturing into uncharted waters, Coppell said: “No, I’m in sh***y waters. It’s not muddy. It’s a lot smellier, I can tell you that, and it’s clingy as well.”

Far too much information, perhaps, but, as Coppell attempts to halt the worst run of his 24-year managerial career, it aptly illustrates the predicament in which Reading find themselves.

“I’ve had two really bad runs before [as a manager], probably ten or 11 games without a win,” Coppell said. “But in both, there were four or five draws in there. I know I’ve never had eight defeats in a row.”

That many of his players have admitted that the team are in trouble in the Barclays Premier League does not sit easily with Coppell, either. “I don’t really want that,” he said. “I want: ‘I’m determined to do it. I’m going to get this right.’ I don’t want any martyrs on the cross.”

Coppell intends to act. On the training ground at Hogwood Park yesterday, onlookers were surprised to see him so animated. Instead of allowing Kevin Dillon and Wally Downes, his coaches, to run the show as usual, Coppell was more involved.

Off the pitch, he has also been cajoling his squad. “We’ve had open forums during this period,” he said. “It shows that the players are thinking about the situation. And, yes, there’s been finger-pointing. That’s a good sign, if it works. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked this year.”

Reading have not gained a point since the 1-1 draw with West Ham United at Upton Park on Boxing Day. Coppell will make changes for the away match against Middlesbrough tomorrow and, having glanced in the mirror, is not immune from self-examination.

“When you win, you party,” he said. “When you get beaten, you ponder. I’ve pondered, we’ve pondered. But if you keep on doing what you’re doing, you’re going to get more of what you’ve got. There will be changes. I could be justified in changing all 11. I’d have no problem about that.

“I wouldn’t want anyone to assume or presume that those left out are being blamed, but I think I’ve shown more than enough faith in a lot of people. Perhaps the accusation that I may make against myself is that maybe I have been too loyal to some players.”

After two seasons of success unparalleled in the club’s 137-year history, Coppell faces the grim reality of possible relegation. “Young men are resilient,” he said. “They go from the pits of despair in the dressing-room to, the next day, raring to go again. That’s been the case this week. But we’re in a spiral and we’ve got to break out of it.”