STEVE COPPELL will quit the County Ground next week and insists Sir Alex Ferguson would struggle to succeed under the current managerial constraints.

The former Brentford and Crystal Palace boss is expected to say his goodbyes after the home clash with Colchester United.

Coppell said the current transfer embargo made it an uphill task for any manager to actually perform the job required of him.

He said: "The art of management is sculpting and designing a team.

"When you can't bring players in at a time of need and can't wheel and deal, it makes it extremely difficult.

"It's like trying to drive a car with the hand brake on. You are putting so much effort in without getting where you want to go."

Coppell feels Town would benefit from three or four 'proven' additions to the squad.

He said: "Andy needs to have viable alternatives in his squad. He knows that, I know it and I'm sure Alex Ferguson would say exactly the same thing if he was in charge here.

"If he came here, the first thing he would ask for is the chance to strengthen his squad."

Coppell insists freedom to operate in the market place rather than money is the key.

He said: "If it wasn't for this embargo, I know Andy would have brought in those three or four players.

"They wouldn't be massive signings but they would have pepped the place up a bit. Young players lose confidence and there are some players here that know they are going to be playing, barring injury."

Coppell, who is looking for a return to management and is finding the travelling to Wiltshire each day quite draining, has expressed his views to the Town board and stressed the urgent need to resolve the embargo issue.

He said: "That was the bottom line. It's all about the options."

Town boss King will be sad to see Coppell go.

He said: "Steve gave me a commitment to stay for a month. That will be up after Colchester and I'm almost certain he will choose not to remain here.

"He wants to manage again and he's been very honest with me about that.

"Steve is very studious, organised and logical. He has a manager's voice and speaks with an authority and knowledge. Players listen and respect.

"Unfortunately the results haven't followed his arrival but then part of the reason for that is the lack of options available.

"But I remain confident my players can come through this.

"We have shown we are capable of losing to anyone but I also believe we are capable of beating anyone."

When Coppell has gone, King will be left to work under the constraints of the embargo.

He said: "I have made my views on the Neil Ruddock situation known. Either Neil accepts a situation where he agrees to work under the same structure as the rest of us or the club honours his deal.

"All I will say is that this situation is hurting Swindon Town Football Club."