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

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