Reading manager Steve Coppell launched an attack on the transfer system after Watford's on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster inspired his relegated team to a 2-0 win at Madejski Stadium.

Second-half goals from Dan Shittu and Marlon King helped the Hornets to only their second away victory in the Barclays Premiership, but it was the performance of Foster which was vital.

Coppell believes Foster should not have been allowed to stay with Watford after he helped them to promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship last season.

"I have a big issue with the loan situation," Coppell said.

"It is a nonsense that the big clubs can stockpile players, then farm them out to continue their education.

"The big clubs should decide who are their best players, then stick with them. To allow the situation to continue in this way is wrong.

"Why should young players not make their progress at the big clubs, instead of doing it elsewhere and to the disadvantage of others?

"It is a case of trawling talent, and that is not beneficial. This is not sour grapes against Ben Foster, who is a terrific goalkeeper, and England might benefit from his education at Watford.

"But everything is geared towards the big clubs. The big clubs should only be allowed to loan players out to rival Premiership clubs if they have no first-team experience.

"If this were the case, it would be a far healthier game."

Defeat dented Reading's chances of qualifying for the UEFA Cup, as they are now only two points above Tottenham having played two more games.

Reading complained bitterly about Shittu's goal as they believed Ivar Ingimarsson had been fouled in the build-up, but Coppell chose instead to praise the attitude of his opponents, whose relegation was confirmed last month.

"The players felt Ivar was blocked, but if you live by the sword, you die by it,"

Coppell added.

"But Watford deserve credit for their mental resilience. They have lost a number of games, but they remain competitive.

"I have a lot of respect for them, and I am glad we will not have to play them next season."

Foster returns to Old Trafford in the summer to challenge Edwin van der Sar for a place in Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Finding an adequate replacement is Aidy Boothroyd's priority and he is already examining the transfer market for alternatives as he tries to chart a route back to the Premiership next season.

Boothroyd said: "We have a couple of ideas because we have known the situation for a long time and we have been working hard.

"But whether we can bring in our targets is another matter.

"I send Sir Alex regular letters about how Ben is doing, about his lifestyle, and about what he is doing well and what he can improve on.

"The situation is a bonus for Manchester United, because we are sending an international goalkeeper back to them.

"It is good for us, because when big clubs want to loan out young players of immense talent, they might think about sending them to Watford."