Reading Football Club News: December 2015
Royals Stung By Bees In 2-1 Defeat
29 December 2015
By Alex Bower
"They were quality goals from Brentford but, no, that doesn't soften the blow."
Reading Manager Brian McDermott
"I thought all three goals in the game were of real quality. It was a great strike from Ryan and I think Sergi tried to top him with that one."
Brentford Manager Dean Smith
Since Brian McDermott returned for his second spell as Reading manager, his Royals side have thus far had mixed fortunes. The 1-0 victory at the Madejski against Blackburn put a temporary halt to Reading's seemingly never-ending unlucky results and gave a rosy hue to the new managerial appointment. Last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Wolves, however, brought everyone back down to earth as normal service resumed.
With just two days respite, Reading returned to action at the Madejski on Monday night against a relatively in-form Brentford side. Despite McDermott's recent comments about making the Madejski a fortress, the home side lost the game 2-1 - their sixth defeat in seven games and the latest in a worrying period of form for the Royals.
Ultimately it was two eye-catching goals from Ryan Woods and Sergi Canos that handed the away side the victory. A nicely worked goal converted by substitute Garath McCleary drew Reading back to 1-1, but the home side were made to pay for their first-half complacency in front of goal.
McDermott made only two changes going into the game with Ola John and Lucas Piazon brought into the starting line-up in place of Garath McCleary and Matej Vydra. Vydra is a player that has seemingly divided fan opinion in recent weeks with his underwhelming performances, but McDermott's decision to leave both him and Orlando Sa on the bench in favour of starting Hal Robson-Kanu in the lone striker role was a choice that will have raised a few eyebrows.
This being said the Welsh International made a nuisance of himself up front in the first half, chasing down the Brentford defence at every possible opportunity. While playing as the sole striker may still not be Robson-Kanu's forte, his work rate has certainly improved since returning from injury.
Reading, once again, dominated the early stages of the game and had the supporters in full voice with the likes of Robson-Kanu and Nick Blackman having chances. Ola John was arguably the most impressive and definitely the most creative going forward. The midfielder does still have to work on the defensive side of his game, however, and was partially at fault for Brentford's opening goal. With John pushed high up the pitch, Woods was allowed to run at Stephen Quinn and Oliver Norwood before unleashing a powerful drive from 25 yards out into the back of Jonathan Bond's goal. It was a beautifully hit strike but the fact that he was allowed to run at the Reading defence without a care in the world will have been a concern.
Going into half-time the Royals remained a goal behind but also lost John through injury. The midfielder was Reading's best offensive player in the opening period so he was a great loss to a side that needed to penetrate the Brentford defence in the second half. With this in mind, McDermott made two changes at half time - taking off John and Robson-Kanu and bringing on McCleary and Vydra in their place. As Reading's two best players in the first half, it was a decision that was a concern.
This being said, the two Reading substitutes were to make their mark on the game with Vydra initially coming closest to scoring. A well worked Reading move ultimately saw a Quinn cross find Vydra in the box but his header bounced up off the pitch onto the bar. Coming up to the hour mark, some well worked passing around the Reading box saw McCleary in on goal who slotted the ball calmly past David Button in the Brentford goal.
With the backing of the crowd and momentum in their favour, Reading were chasing the winner. The Royals were, however, enjoying a lot less possession in the second half and inviting pressure on themselves. In the hope of finding another goal, McDermott brought on Rowan Liburd in place of Lucas Piazon and subsequently doubled his strike force. This meant that Orlando Sa was to remain on the bench - a decision that many questioned post-match.
It was Brentford that were to score again, however, with Liverpool loanee Sergi Canos grabbing the winner in style. After being given the ball on the right, Canos flicked it over Quinn first time then knocked it past Michael Hector before hitting a half-volley past Bond. Brentford scored two beautiful goals largely against the run of play, while Reading managed to play keep ball for periods but struggled to make it count.
Any chance of another Reading comeback was thwarted when Hector was sent off after a second yellow was awarded for diving. The Royals also have Paul McShane to thank once more as he prevented the scoreline from getting any worse for the home side with some last ditch defending. As the final whistle went it was clear the Reading squad were thoroughly frustrated with the result and rightfully so. Poor refereeing decisions throughout did not help matters but once again Reading were not able to make their superiority count.
One player who is deserving of a mention is Stephen Quinn. Since returning from injury, Quinn has been asked to fill in in the left-back position and has largely done so impressively. His work rate cannot be faulted and he continuously won the ball back all over the pitch. The problem is, he is not a left-back. At times he was unsure of who to close down and got caught out for both goals. This being said, the Reading squad is a whole lot better with Quinn in it and it has already been demonstrated that they would be lost without him.
A greater concern for the Royals will be the disappearance of Nick Blackman. The main goalscorer in the early weeks of the season, Blackman has since lost confidence and at times disappears from the games completely. Whether it is frustration about having to play out wide or simply because he is no longer scoring goals, Blackman is not making an impact. Another who isn't having an impact is Lucas Piazon. While his performance against Brentford was an improvement, he is still arguably too lightweight for the Championship.
One of the most worrying aspects, however, is Reading's clear inability to make use of any set piece. Corners, throw-ins, you name it, Reading cannot use them to their advantage. Corners in particular continue to be a problem, with twelve of them going to waste in the latest game alone. In a league where games are often tight affairs, the Royals really need to find a way of converting these kind of chances. It is clear that the Royals have been working hard in training on their passing play but at times they can overthink things rather than get back to basics by having an effort on goal.
With the January transfer window fast approaching and a number of youngsters- including Dominic Samuel and Tariqe Fosu - returning from loan, there is an interesting few weeks ahead for McDermott and Reading. Bristol City are next for the Royals in the Championship and they take on Huddersfield in the FA Cup in the new year - both providing opportunities to regain some kind of form and return to winning ways. Taking recent results into consideration, however, confidence must be at a concerning low and something that must be remedied sooner rather than later.
Nothing For Christmas As Slump Continues
28 December 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
It was Reading that did all the giving over Christmas as the two festive games returned exactly zero points for the Royals. There were some positive moments for the Royals as they had the better of the play in both fixtures - but a lack of fire power and a few defensive mistakes were very costly as two defeats made it a run of six defeats from seven games. Brian McDermott enjoyed victory in his first fixture on his return as Reading manager but it is back to reality after two defeats illustrated that he has plenty of work ahead of him to get his team winning again.
After the Blackburn win, McDermott fielded an unchanged side. Reading dominated the second half at Wolves against a side that hadn't won at home for nearly three months. Former Reading player James Henry scored the only goal of the match after 18 minutes. Reading spent the entire second half looking for the equaliser as the home side packed their defence to hold on for the win. Norwood went close with a free kick that touched the outside of the post, and Blackman nearly caught the goalkeeper out with a powerful effort. However, despite Reading's much greater possession they failed to create enough chances and wasted a string of corners.
Reading should have come away from Wolves with at least a point on Boxing Day, and their bad fortune continued two days later at the Madejski Stadium against Brentford. Like the Wolves game, Reading found themselves a goal down inside the opening twenty minutes. This time an impressive long range effort that came from nothing put Brentford ahead. Reading had been the better side once again but had nothing to show from their first half efforts.
As the teams trudged off at half time Ola John stayed on the pitch for treatment and failed to emerge in the second half. Vydra, who had been dropped made an appearance from the bench and McCleary replaced Hal Robson-Kanu. Vydra was immediately involved and should have put Reading ahead straight after the break, but put the ball onto the crossbar instead of the back of the net. Reading were level on 58 minutes when Vydra played McCleary through and he put the ball across the Brentford keeper to make it 1-1.
Reading were well on top at that point and the feeling was that they should go on to win the match. However, instead, Brentford reclaimed the lead on 72 minutes with another decent strike past Bond in the Reading goal. Again Reading had the better of the play, but again failed to get in enough real efforts on goal. Hector then picked up a second yellow card for a dive in the area and any hope of picking up a point evaporated. Brentford held on with ease to condemn Reading to yet another defeat.
McDermott Re-Starts With Victory
21 December 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
A breath-taking volley from Danny Williams after eleven minutes provided returning manager Brian McDermott with winning start, ending Reading's disappointing run of four consecutive defeats. The return of the charismatic McDermott was clearly well received by the home fans as he emerged from the tunnel to be greeted by a cluster of photographers and a roar of approval.
With the gloom of recent events lifted Williams' early goal gave the Royals the momentum they needed to arrest their slide down the table and hold on for a much needed win. It is too soon to assess how things will go for the rest of the season but already there is a more positive buzz around the club.
Blackburn are not an easy side to beat, this being only their sixth defeat in twenty-two games, but Reading were the better side and deserved their win. McDermott opted for a basic 4 4 2 formation drafting in Quinn at left back with both Obita and Taylor injured. Williams goal aside, there was little to choose between the teams in the first half.
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New Management Team Prepare For Blackburn
18 December 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Blackburn Rovers will provide the first test for Reading FC's new management team this weekend. The Royals officially welcomed back manager Brian McDermott as first team manager yesterday, and also announced that former Wimbledon manager Terry Burton would arrive as McDermott's assistant. McDermott obviously needs no introduction to Reading fans, while Burton is an impressive and well respected arrival for second in charge. McDermott was also quick to say that there would not be a massive Clarke-style clearout of backroom staff and that he would be working with the existing coaches for the rest of the season.
Terry Burton arrives thanks to McDermott's Arsenal connections. Burton started his coaching career at Arsenal where he took charge of a youth side than included a young Brian McDermott. He eventually moved to Wimbledon where he was popular with the fans for speaking out about the proposed dismantling of the club. It was his views on keeping the club intact and near home, and not Wimbledon's performances on the pitch, that led to his dismissal. After leaving Wimbledon, Burton had a couple of spells at West Bromwich Albion with a return to Arsenal in-between as Reserves & Head Development coach. He was most recently at West Brom as Technical Director before leaving in the summer. He joins Reading, to work with McDermott, with plenty of experience as assistant manager at Watford, Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday.
Combining McDermott and Burton with the existing backroom staff, should mean that the Royals now have a strong management team that can start work with a first team squad that has many talented individuals. If McDermott can get some positivity back, and the right attitude, we could be in for some interesting times after a couple of very poor months home and away.
Blackburn Rovers are just a point, and two positions, above Reading and should provide a fantastic opportunity for McDermott to mark his home-coming. If McDermott can somehow guide Reading to only their second win in ten fixtures then he will see his team climb above the visitors and back into the top half of the Championship table. McDermott's first match in charge before, way back in 2009, was a 1-1 away draw against Bristol City. A draw this weekend wouldn't be a bad result as he attempts to end a run of four straight defeats. Reading have scored just two goals in that run of defeats, so even a 1-1 draw once more would be a decent enough start on his return. Whatever happens McDermott is guaranteed a very warm reception from the home fans.
Reading go into the match on the back of 1-2 defeat at Hull City on Wednesday night. It was an unfortunate outcome for caretaker manager Martin Kuhl in his last match in charge as Reading looked set to earn a valuable point away from home. The defeat came about after three of Reading's defenders, Andrew Taylor, Anton Ferdinand, and Chris Gunter were forced to leave the pitch due to injury. None of the three players are expected to have long term problems but they remain doubts for Sunday. Gunter left the pitch right at the end, and was hoping to continue with Reading out of substitutes, but required stitches to a nasty cut just above his eye. He is likely to be back in the side. Some positive news for Reading is that Stephen Quinn will at last be expected to make his return from injury and could feature in the starting eleven.
McDermott might need a change in Reading's fortunes - we have failed to beat Blackburn in any of our previous eight meetings. We've also failed to score in four of those eight encounters.
Official At Last - Brian McDermott Is Back
17 December 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading Football Club have finally confirmed the appointment of Brian McDermott as new Reading manager. McDermott was revealed by the club in a press conference at the Madejski Stadium this afternoon, finally ending speculation about his return. McDermott has signed a two and a half year contract with the club, saying that a return "felt right". John Madejski was quick to point out that McDermott had previously left against his wishes, when he was previously dismissed by Anton Zingarevich in March 2013.
McDermott returns to Reading after being given the sack with the club struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League table. His appointment has been one of the worst kept secrets in football, with the initial rumours of his return starting immediately after the dismissal of former manager Steve Clarke. Plans were already in place to give McDermott his old job back nearly two weeks ago, which led to widespread reports on 9 December that a deal had been done. Since then a few rumours of other managers have come and gone but never amounted to much.
The real question was if Brian was ready to give up his role as scout at Arsenal and return to the club that treated him so badly before. The good news for Reading fans is that, after another full week of waiting, and two more away defeats, McDermott has finally made his official return as Reading boss.
Although some fans have reservations about returning to an old manager, McDermott remains a very popular figure at Reading and is Reading through and through. A common opinion is that McDermott should never have been sacked when he was. He remains an ideal, and proven, manager to get Reading promoted out of the Championship. Everyone is hoping he can restore some positivity to the squad after Steve Clarke's brief reign ended in a run of poor results that dragged Reading down the table.
McDermott returns to what is probably a much stronger squad and with the side reasonably placed in midtable. There's still enough of the season left to make an impact, and he will be hoping to make an immediate impression during his first game back in charge, when Blackburn Rovers visit the Madjeski Stadium this weekend.
McDermott turned the club's fortunes around immediately after his arrival in December 2009. With Reading struggling in the Championship he lifted them up the table to a 9th place finish and also guided Reading to the FA Cup quarter finals. His first full season in charge saw further improvement as Reading finished fifth only to lose in the play-off final. Next season Reading were crowned Champions to complete their return to the Premier League for only the second time in their history. A lack of investment and support from those in charge saw Reading spend the next season in the bottom two and led to McDermott's sacking.
Brian McDermott's Reading Record:
- Wins: 76
- Draws: 44
- Defeats: 50
Injuries Lead To Late Defeat At Hull City
17 December 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Such is the luck of a time out of form and in free-fall down the Championship table. Reading did everything right in an impressive first half showing at high-flying Hull City, but were undone in the second half thanks to a series of injuries that allowed the home side to steal a late victory. Reading fans were expecting a fourth straight league defeat, but the manner of the defeat certainly wasn't expected as Reading had the better of the opening forty five minutes.
Unexpectedly Reading looked more likely right from the start and forced the Hull goalkeeper into an early save. It was a taste of things to come from a Reading side that looked much more organised than in recent weeks. A superb Reading move saw the Royals pull ahead just before the half hour mark, when the ball was threaded in from the right with a couple of beautiful touches that finally saw Norwood play the ball behind him with one touch to the oncoming Blackman, who was racing into the area. Blackman, who has been off the boil after a stunning start the season, was back on the scoresheet with a great shot that flew across goal and into the top corner of the net. Reading might have doubled their lead before half time when Blackman sent a free-kick flying against the Hull City crossbar.
Things were expected to change in the second half but it took some good fortune for Hull City to pull level. Reading had already been forced to replace Andrew Taylor through injury, and Jordan Obita was missing from the bench after he too had picked up an injury mid-week during training. As Hull attacked, Ferdinand did well to get back and make what appeared to be a vital tackle. However in doing so he pulled something in his leg and was unable to complete the clearance. From the resulting cross Bond was in the right place to make the save, but could do nothing about the rebound which pulled Hull level.
Ferdinand was forced to leave the pitch injured to be replaced by Cooper. Bond did make a couple of further saves to keep Reading level, but Reading looked good for a point with time running short. With Reading looking well placed for the draw, and time nearly out, Chris Gunter became Reading's third defender forced to leave the pitch due to injury after a boot was landed on his head. With Robson Kanu replacing McCleary earlier, caretaker manager Martin Kuhl had already used all his subs. Moments later the ball was in the back of the net in similar fashion to the first. The goal certainly wasn't the cleanest, and again came off Reading goalkeeper Jonathan Bond before being poked into the back of the net from close range to give Hull all three points.
The defeat was tough on Martin Kuhl whose Reading managerial record will go down as two defeats before today's expected appointment of Brian McDermott. McDermott is finally expected to complete his return as Reading manger today ready to lead the side out as Blackburn Rovers visit the Madejski Stadium on Sunday.
McDermott Leaves Tricky Trip To Hull To Kuhl
16 December 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Martin Kuhl will take his Reading side to third placed Hull City tonight in what is expected to be his last match in charge, before Reading confirm the return of Brian McDermott as permanent manager. Kuhl will have stood in for two matches after the dismissal of Steve Clarke but is expected to make way later this week for the return of McDermott. Brian McDermott has cunningly avoided two difficult away fixtures, that would have been a tough start to his managerial return, and will instead start with a home fixture against mid-table Blackburn Rovers just before Christmas.
Reading almost have nothing to lose tonight as they travel to Hull. Everyone is expecting another Reading loss to add the current run of three consecutive defeats. Anything other than a defeat will be seen as a very good return as a Reading side low in confidence attempt to stop the slide down the Championship table. Hull are firm favourites for the victory at 5/6, with Reading 4/1 to pull off a shock away win. The draw is 5/2.
Last weekend Reading put in a very poor performance at Preston but went down to just a single goal from the penalty spot after a clumsy challenge from Paul McShane who was back in the starting eleven after injury. McShane is expecting to continue in the side tonight and face his old club for the first time since leaving for Reading in the summer, but his fellow former Hull player Stephen Quinn will miss out due to his extended injury. Jordan Obita will also be unavailable for selection after picking up an injury in training that will rule him out of fixtures over the festive period.
The Royals have won just a single match against Hull in their last six attempts - and that was a 3-1 home victory, over 10 years ago, way back in November 2005. Bobby Convey, Keven Doyle and Glen Little were on the scoresheet as Reading sat in second place in the Championship. That has been followed by two 1-1 draw and then two single goal defeats. Our last match at Hull was in August 2011 when a late goal for the home side was enough to defeat Brian McDermott's side who had got off to a poor start to the season.
- Recent Meetings: Reading and Hull City
- News: McDermott To Return As Reading Manager
- From the past - 11 March 2013: Brian McDermott Sacked
| Reading and Hull City - Head to head record (since August 1994) | |
| Games Between Reading and Hull City | 6 |
| Reading Wins | 1 |
| Hull City Wins | 2 |
| Draws | 3 |
| Reading Goals | 6 |
| Hull City Goals | 6 |
| Average Goals Per Game | 2 |
| Average Score | Reading 1 Hull City 1 |
No Manager And No Points From Three Games
14 December 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Three defeats in a row, four defeats from five games, one win from nine games, 6 points from a possible 27. The statistics look pretty shocking after Reading's latest defeat away at Preston North End in the Championship. The statistics are also an accurate reflection on Reading's contribution towards Championship football in recent months. After peaking in second position Reading's slide has been quite spectacular. The sacking of Steve Clarke did nothing to halt that dramatic slide, but Martin Kuhl could not have been expected to perform a minor miracle at Deepdale and come away with any points. Clarke has left the team low in confidence and lacking in organisation, and a new permanent manager is needed quickly to try and turn the season around.
Reading's showing at Preston was the latest in a poor run of performances. Reading never looked likely to get much out of the game from the start. The visitors should have taken the lead early on and had a few other first half chances that were just wide of the target. However the game lacked much quality, and was decided from the penalty spot seven minutes into the second half when Paul McShane, making his return from injury, made a clumsy challenge in the area. Reading's few chances fell to Nick Blackman who failed to make the most of them, including putting one over the crossbar with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Reading's small set of traveling supporters were suitable unimpressed by Reading's efforts. Quotes like the following were pretty widespread on the discussion forums after the match: "Well that was a complete shambles, we looked completely disinterested, disorganised and pretty clueless." "...pathetic in all honesty. We were atrocious in every area of the game. Misplaced passes, under hit passes, over hit passes, poor touches, no movement, no composure, no confidence, I could go on and on and on."
Kuhl has already said he wants a new Reading manager quickly - as do the fans - and he comments suggest he'll be quite happy to return to management of the Reading under 21s. Speaking after his first game in charge, Kuhl said: "We had a good chance with Nick Blackman and we come away disappointed. "Whatever it is, a slight tightness or belief or whatever it is, he goes through and you're just thinking 'go on' and he puts it over, but at the beginning of the year he could shut his eyes and hit the back of the net - but that's football. I believe at the moment I'm in charge until anything happens. I'm sure (the board) are trying to get something in place and hopefully the sooner the better."
Kuhl Takes Charge As Reading Visit Preston
11 December 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Caretaker manager Martin Kuhl will be taking his Reading side to Preston North End this weekend looking to end a run of three straight away defeats. Previous manager Steve Clarke was given his marching orders after a home defeat last week to QPR - but it's on the road where the Royals have really been struggling recently. Despite the on-going rumours of the return of former manager Brian McDermott this week, it has been Martin Kuhl who has taken both training and responsibility for the squad ahead of the visit to Deepdale. There remains a reasonable chance that Kuhl could also take charge of next week's trip to Hull City as the Reading board and contenders for the job mull things over.
No-one will be expecting an instant return to winning ways, so perhaps Kuhl can do no wrong this weekend, but he does have a very tough job ahead of him.
Preston are 18th in the Championship table but have lost just once in their last nine league fixtures. Their last outing was a 2-0 away win at high flying Burnley as they start to put a poor start to the season behind them. While Reading have already let in 22 goals in the League, Preston have conceeded just 16, and have one of the best defences in the division. Preston have lost just six games so far this season - the same as visitors Reading - and will see the visit of the Royals as a prime opportunity to record consecutive league wins.
The good news is that Reading will see the return of Paul McShane in the centre of defence after he was forced to sit it out during the visit of QPR to the Madejski. One player we've really missed in recent weeks is Stephen Quinn, and we'll have to wait to see his return as he remains sidelined along with Tshibola. It'll be interesting to see if Kuhl shuffles things around or continues with a line-up similar to Steve Clarke's preferences. Jordan Obita will be hoping to return to favour with Clarke out of the picture.
More good news is that Reading normally do pretty well against Preston. We're undefeated in our last five games against them and have won 6 out of our last 10 meetings. Our last visit to Deepdale was a 1-1 draw in the Championship back in October 2010 when Karacan scored for the Royals. Our last match against them was at home in the same season when we ran out 2-1 winners with Kebe and Robson-Kanu scoring the vital goals for the Royals.
Appointment Delayed But McDermott Still Favourite
10 December 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Brian McDermott remains favourite to return as the next Reading manager, but has not yet been confirmed as Steve Clarke's replacement. In a repeat of the Steve Clarke to Fulham, will he, won't he situation Reading fans were expecting McDermott to sign yesterday - only to be told last night that no deal had yet been agreed. It was widely reported last month that Clarke had agreed to move to Fulham, only for the press to back-track when it become clear that the two parties were unable to agree terms. It now seems we have a repeat of that and there is no certainty that Brian McDermott will be confirmed as manager.
What is certain is that there have been discussions on-going between Reading FC and their former manager. However, no terms have been agreed and no contracts signed. Officially Reading are still on the hunt for a new manager and McDermott is just one of the contenders. There's been plenty of rumours attempting to explain the delay in McDermott making his return, from money, job security, changes to the back-room staff, and the chance that the club have someone else in serious contention. McDermott was cast aside by the club before, despite taking Reading into the Premier League, and there's no guarantee that wouldn't happen again. McDermott is currently enjoying life as a senior scout at Arsenal and he may be tempted to stay put despite Reading's offers.
The McDermott appointment could still be confirmed over the next few days, but currently Martin Kuhl will remain in charge on a caretaker basis. It now appears likely that the Reading under 21 manager will be in charge as Reading head to Preston North End for their Championship match this weekend. Reading have been poor in recent weeks and Kuhl will have a tough job as he attempts to get some points out of a side that have managed just one win their last eight league matches.
McDermott To Return As Reading Manager
09 December 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Former manager Brian McDermott is set to make a return to Reading for another stint in charge. McDermott is expected to be confirmed as Steve Clarke's replacement as Reading manager as early as today. McDermott remains a very popular figure at Reading after he took the club back into the Premier League against the odds during his previous time in charge. His dismissal was seen as very harsh by both supporters and those at the club when Reading struggled back in the top tier due to a lack of investment and support from the board at the time.
McDermott has spoken out, since his departure, about the difficult working conditions under the then owner Anton Zingarevich. It was Zingarevich that sent McDermott packing in March 2013. With Zingarevich long gone from the club, the path is clear for McDermott to make his return and again attempt to take Reading back to the Premier League.
After McDermott's departure from Reading it was a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire when he joined Leeds United, another club suffering turmoil due to their owners. Brian lasted a year at Leeds before joining Arsenal as a senior scout. While at Arsenal, McDermott has been a frequent visitor back at Reading. He has often been seen at Reading under-21 games as he continues to keep an eye on his old club.
The back-room staff and a huge chunk of the squad has changed in the two and half years since McDermott was last in charge but he will still return to a club where he is familiar with the set-up. McDermott perhaps has a stronger squad and better support from the owners of the club this time round. He will also arrive ahead of the January transfer window. It does seem to be a perfect time for McDermott to return. Although he has a tough job ahead of him there is plenty of potential for the club to make something of this season.
McDermott turned the club's fortunes around immediately after his arrival in December 2009. With Reading struggling in the Championship he lifted them up the table to a 9th place finish and also guided Reading to the FA Cup quarter finals. His first full season in charge saw further improvement as Reading finished fifth only to lose in the play-off final. Next season Reading were crowned Champions to complete their return to the Premier League for only the second time in their history. A lack of investment and support from those in charge saw Reading spend the next season in the bottom two and led to McDermott's sacking.
Brian McDermott's Reading Record:
- Wins: 76
- Draws: 44
- Defeats: 50
Huddersfield Town In Round Three - Again
07 December 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading have an identical draw in the third round of the FA Cup this season. For the second consecutive year we will be travelling to Championship side Huddersfield to begin our FA Cup campaign, in what both sets of fans will agree is one of the least glamourous ties of the round. Last time we were 1-0 winners at Huddersfield, in January 2015, with Nick Blackman getting the only goal of the game. In the league that season we were beaten twice by the Terriers. Last month the two sides drew 2-2 at the Madejski Stadium with Ola John getting a late equaliser for the Royals.
The win at the John Smith's Stadium was was the start of a memorable FA Cup run as we went on to beat Cardiff, Derby County and Bradford City on route to our FA Cup Semi-Final at Wembley against Arsenal. It's fair to say that no-one will be expecting a repeat of that run as we reached the final four for only the second time in the club's history. However last season it was under a new manager that Reading built an FA Cup run - and we will be a similar situation this time around as Reading wait to appoint a new boss in time for the new year.
This time around the tie will take place on Saturday January 9 2015.
Steve Clarke Sacked
04 December 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Steve Clarke has been sacked as manager of Reading. His dismissal follows last night's 0-1 home defeat against QPR which concluded a win of eight games with just one victory. It's difficult to feel any sympathy with Clarke after his failed attempts to join Fulham last month, which fell apart after his agent got greedy over future bonus payments. Clarke had already been looking for the door himself, and now the club have taken control and pointed him in the right direction - out of the club.
It is a rapid decline for Clarke. Only a month and a half ago Reading were sitting in second place in the Championship after a promising start to the season. Just eight games later and Clarke has gone from hero to villain. It was hard to see a way back for Clarke after he appeared to have taken the Fulham job a couple of weeks ago. A run of strong wins would have been the only way Reading's owners and the fans would have forgiven him. However, just a single unconvincing win over Bolton and two defeats and given the board just the excuse they need to send him packing.
With Reading just a single point out of the play-off positions and over half the season remaining, Clarke's sacking feels like it has come at the right time. With Clarke in control the club would have probably continued to drift down the league. With a new manager in place they have a real chance to make use of a strong squad and try and pull Reading back into the promotion hunt. It's a real opportunity for Reading's next manager.
The Reading board have also dismissed first team coach Kevin Keen as they look to swiftly move on from Clarke's era, leaving under 21 manager Martin Kuhl in temporary charge while they secure the services of a new manager.
Back on the 19th November, with Clarke set to confirm his move to Fulham, Nigel Pearson was named as the favourite to be named as the next Reading manager, and that remains the case. It's likely that Pearson may have already been in talks with the club and he has immediately been installed as favourite to land the job.
Clarke spent less than a year in charge at Reading and departs having lost more games than he won in a short career that will only be remembered for last seasons' run to the FA Cup semi-final. The FA Cup run was a rare moment of glory for Reading, in what otherwise has been a very disappointing twelve months.
Steve Clarke's Reading Record:
- Games won: 19
- Draws: 14
- Defeats: 20
The club's short official statement:
"The board of Reading Football Club have this morning relieved Manager Steve Clarke of his duties.
The club met with Steve in person earlier today and we would like to place on permanent record our thanks to him for his hard work and diligence since his appointment in December 2014."
More on Clarke's departure:
More Pressure On Clarke After Late QPR Goal
04 December 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading lacked spark as they succumbed to another defeat that continued a miserable run of form. Reading have won just once in their last eight league games and now find themselves well adrift of the teams at the top of the Championship. The Royals looked like they'd done enough to secure a point at least until a last minute equaliser gave the visitors an undeserved three points. It was a harsh outcome but still not entirely unexpected. The late goal, from a corner on the right, saw Al Hasbi fail to stop an effort at the far post, and completed a miserable night for Clarke and his team.
All the talk at full time was about how long Steve Clarke has left as Reading manager. Sacked in the morning was an experession heard more than once. It appears it is now case of when Clarke finds himself relieved of his duties rather than if, as Reading's promising start to the season crumbles away to nothing. Reading are drifting right now, and that seems unlikely to change under Clarke. The Reading manager, heavily criticised with his constant tinkering of the starting eleven, made just two changes. One was enforced with McShane out injured leaving Ferdinand to join Hector in the centre of defence. Clarke's tactical change saw Fernandez start in place of Piazon.
The Madjeski Stadium was quiet from the start as the team did little to introduce any excitement into the evening. Reading looked comfortable against visitors that appeared happy for the draw, but never really did enough to inject life into the game. Our best chances came in the second half with Blackman firing an impressive free kick against the crossbar. It looked like it was heading over but dipped with the goalkeeper stationary and left the whole goal shaking. Clarke's subsitutions felt like they came too late. Hal Robson Kanu returned from injury from the bench and perhaps should have done better with his shot across goal that was wide of the far post.