BRIAN McDERMOTT, even in the wake of an achievement that should make him a genuine contender for manager of the year, was doing his best to play down his part in Reading’s renaissance.
“I’ve been carried along by my players and staff this season,” he said, trying to sound like no more than a passenger on the remarkable journey that has taken the club back to the Premier League after a four-year absence.
It was typical McDermott, who is as modest as they come and does a nice line in self-deprecating humour, which was summed up with his quick-witted response to the suggestion that there was a banner outside the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night proclaiming him “The Messiah”. “More like the life of Brian,” McDermott replied.
If McDermott is reluctant to shout from the rooftops about his success, those inside the club are happy to do the job on his behalf.
The 51-year-old, who arrived as chief scout 12 years ago, has been the inspiration behind Reading’s revival over the last few years, as John Madejski was quick to recognise on Tuesday, when the chairman pointed in the direction of McDermott as supporters celebrated after the 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest. “He’s the best manager you could ever want,” Madejski said later.
It is difficult to argue. McDermott has won 67 of his 132 games in charge, giving him a higher win percentage than any other post-war Reading manager.
When he replaced Brendan Rodgers in 2009 the club were 21st and in a relegation battle. When the season finished, Reading were ninth and had reached their first FA Cup quarter-final in 83 years after knocking out Liverpool en route. The following season Reading made it to the last eight of the FA Cup again and also got to the play-off final, only to lose 4-2 to Swansea.
It could easily have been the end of the story, especially as Reading were forced to sell Shane Long, their top scorer, and Matt Mills, the captain in the summer, yet somehow McDermott has managed to work the oracle.
After a slow start that saw the club languishing in 16th at the beginning of November, Reading put together an astonishing run in which they won 23 of the next 29 league matches, including taking 46 points from the past possible 51.
Although Reading are focusing on trying to win the Championship, questions are already being asked about how they will fare in the Premier League. There is an added layer of intrigue because the club should soon be in different hands, with Anton Zingarevich, a 30-year-old Russian tycoon, close to completing the takeover that will see him buy a 51 per cent stake from Madejski. “That will give us a little bit more impetus and flexibility we would hope,” said Hammond, “but fundamentally things won’t change.”
Guardian Service
