Reading FC

Brian McDermott has called on his Reading players to restore some pride to the club when they take on Premier League giants Liverpool
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McDermott: Make the fans proud again

By Jonny Fordham
December 31, 2009

Brian McDermott has called on his Reading players to restore some pride to the club when they take on Premier League giants Liverpool in the FA Cup.

More than 23,000 fans will descend on Madejski Stadium on Saturday for the third-round tie against Rafa Benitez’s Reds (live on ITV 1, 5.15pm kick-off).

And McDermott wants to see a reaction from his Royals squad following their humiliating 4-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle on Monday.

The 48-year-old caretaker boss said: “The main thing we have to do as a club is to restore the pride. We really let the fans down in the Plymouth game and it’s important that we get some pride back for the supporters.

“I watched the Plymouth game again on the coach on the way back to Reading and my thoughts now are the same as when the game finished.

“But tomorrow we’re playing one of the biggest clubs in the world and it’s a great game for us to be playing at our own stadium in front of our fans.”

Royals recorded a famous 3-1 win, the last time the sides met at Madejski Stadium, but were still relegated from the top-flight.

Now Reading’s Championship status is at threat.

And Royals’ next league game is at home to top-of-the-table Newcastle United.

McDermott said: “All we can do is look at the Liverpool game first and then we’ll start to think about taking on Newcastle. They’re two big matches back to back.

“It doesn’t really get much bigger than that for us.”

With the Reading board still no closer to appointing a permanent manager following the sacking of Brendan Rodgers earlier this month, McDermott is still hopeful of getting the top job.

He added: “I’ve spoken to Nick Hammond about it and I got a text from Nigel Howe after the Plymouth game. I’m just getting on with it all.”

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Most recent user comments 10 of 10

My new year wish - SJM forgets he made his money as a car salesman and comes clean with the Reading supporters. You can fool some of the people some of the time......

Does SJM own Evening Post - they seem scared to print anything thats possibly controversial!

Jon Pepper
26/06/2010 at 22:23

“I’ve spoken to Nick Hammond about it and I got a text from Nigel Howe after the Plymouth game. I’m just getting on with it all.” Does this mean they are happy?

RFC are becoming a joke!

BR fan, Reading
01/01/2010 at 15:03

It is difficult and sad to watch Reading's demise from down here in Sydney. Due to recent sackings at other clubs there are a number of good and experienced managers available and Reading need to move very fast otherwise, like the Tommy Smith fiasco, they will miss the boat. Former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is not within Reading's budget, but there is still plenty of talent available including Gary Megson, Alan Irvine, Darren Ferguson, Paul Jewell and Alan Curbishley. All could do a good job. It is time the board steps up and makes a decision, and fast.

Graham White
01/01/2010 at 05:40

Agree Geo - Seems odd that BR was sacked bearing in mind the job he was doing with the resources he had.

I imagine it was down to a number of things and not just the league position as stated by the board.

As for the next manager - there are a number of possibles but appointing a manager is easy its getting the right one thats a little harder!

I would like to see Irvine/Ferguson/Curbs/Coppell etc.... I just cannot see it unless significant funds are set before them.

I hope its not Lawrie Sanchez or Ady Williams on the "they have a Reading connection" theory, but I can see it happening.

Glenn Hoddle is a good bet - mates with the Madster and has been doing his youth academy bit abroad - so is used to working with kids...

Whoever it is he will need support and patience........

Robsy , Reading
31/12/2009 at 18:18

A text!!!! mmmmmmmm just about sums up Reading FC at moment. Mr Howe, please close door and turn light out when you go.

SPARKYMARKY
31/12/2009 at 17:43

I agree Geo. I think Hammond has had his time now. Perhaps Steve Coppel as Director of Football would be an idea. I too think the sale of the likes of Cox were a mistake. Hindsight is always wonderful though and that will not help us now. In the short term we do need to bring in some quality especially up front. The new guy looks like he can finish but we need more than just him. We are lacking in quality and confidence all over the park. Some appointment has to be made on the management side soon. This talk of time for reflection is silly. We have no time for that! One win at home all season for me = fans panicing! Including me! Remember our last season at Elm Park? We were dreadful all season ande lost to all the sides around us at home in the league or failed to beat them! The result was relegation! We still have mosty of the bottom six to play at home we can turn this awful season around... but act board!

poru, Bournemouth
31/12/2009 at 17:01

I think fans are questioning more than ever the sacking of Brendan Rodgers, what was the motivation for this as the team was edging ever so slowly in the right direction? Clearly it wasn't so that a new manager would have freedom to act in the January transfer window. With the disgraceful performance at Plymouth, Reading has gone backwards. McDermott is undoubtedly doing his very best but needs time and that is the one thing we don't have - An 'impact' manager and a few experienced 'impact' signings or loans are what's needed. Think about Spurs last season before Harry Redknapp joined ? they were in a similar position to Reading. I am amazed that the Chief Exec communicates with the interim manager by text!!! this says it all! wasn't he at the game then ? nearly 1000 Reading supporters can be bothered to make the trip ! The Board needs to get a grip - Nick Hammond got rid of nearly all the experienced pros, agree some had to go but it was too drastic a change and a false economy. This has been going on for years,look how many ex Reading players are regulary scoring elsewhere - Lita, Kitson, Doyle, Cox (not good enough for Reading but has scored 6 for WBA !)even Darius Henderson !! and Hahnemann now seems to be 1st choice keeper for Wolves - Frankly, Hammond should resign and his salary put to better use as I don't think the management team that got into this mess are going to get out of it.

Geo, Spain
31/12/2009 at 15:58

poru- I agree with everything you've said, i too feel that only victory against Newcastle will be enough to overcome the disappointment of our results over xmas. Especially after i travelled to Plymouth and saw that rubbish display, but with the situation we are in now, every game is becoming a must win game. Even draws are not really enough now!

reading fan watford hater
31/12/2009 at 14:11

"I got a text from Nigel Howe after the Plymouth game". I bet he did !

Kingsley Royal, Woodley
31/12/2009 at 14:00

I think the club must come out with a statement as to their short term intentions. Are they giving McDermott a couple more weeks? If not they should make an appointment next week before Newcastle visit! WE CANNOT keep dropping points at home because we will certainly go down if we do. I was impressed with some of McDermotts tactical decisions against Swansea in terms of substitutions he made but was alarmed at the amount of time and space we gave them in the midfield. I would personally prefer to see Steve Coppel return until the end of the season at least. The fans love him and he knows the club. Another appointment would be risky. The club can reasses things in May. Our only goal is avoiding relegation and doing that must come at any cost. We have a new striker in Thorvaldsson but that will not be enough. Another striker and someone who can put themselves about in the midfield. We are too powder puff in far too many places on the park!

Liverpool is just a tiny break away from the league. The fans will be expecting two BIG performances in the nest two home games if McDermott is to get the job. For me only victory over Newcastle will be enough after the disappointment of 1 point from 6 over xmas.

poru, Bournemouth
31/12/2009 at 12:36

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McDermott: Make the fans proud again

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