Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Cock...

Reading manager Steve Coppell has banned his players from Christmas shopping - in case they get too stressed out.
Coppell wants the squad to focus all their efforts on the push for promotion and has cancelled all festivities.
He said: "As far as I'm concerned, Christmas is over and we get on with business.
"In a way it's easier for the players that way as they can now just concentrate on preparing for this very difficult period."
And any footballers' wives hoping to unwrap the obligatory tacky bling on the 25th can forget it.
"If the players have to go off Christmas shopping then it's not the ideal preparation," said Coppell.
"This may sound stupid, but having to fight the crowds in a busy shopping centre, going off visiting or having people visit you can be demanding.
"The wives wouldn't agree but I don't think footballers should be going Christmas shopping."