McDermott in pole position as Hoddle rumours are denied

Published 25 Dec 2009 09:00 4 Comments

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BRIAN McDermott has taken another step towards landing the permanent manager's position at Reading following the revelation the club are not looking at outside candidates.

Sonning resident Glenn Hoddle is the latest high-profile name to be linked with the vacant role following the departure of Brendan Rodgers last week.

Former Royals boss Steve Coppell, ex-Reading player Lawrie Sanchez, Alan Curbishley and Darren Ferguson are also among the front runners to take over.

But chairman Sir John Madejski is not even looking at applications at this stage and wants to give 48-year-old chief scout McDermott and assistant Nigel Gibbs time to prove themselves.

Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle, director of football Nick Hammond said: "The chairman hasn't asked me to look at anything in terms of going forward with the manager's position.

"The chairman is a straightforward guy and he wants time to reflect. Brian McDermott and Nigel Gibbs are in charge and we have had no further discussion.

"Brian and Nigel are good guys who know their football. They bring a lot of experience, they're capable of looking after the team and they are the right appointments at this stage.

"It's a tough time for the club and Brian is the safe pair of hands we need. I've known him a long time and he is ideally placed to do the job.

"We'll see what Christmas brings. Let's get these next two games against Swansea and Plymouth out of the way then look at it again."

Madejski described the sacking of Rodgers as 'the hardest decision he's ever made,' and Hammond expected the 36-year-old to make a swift return to management.

"I'm very, very disappointed for Brendan," he admitted. "No-one could have worked harder or with more professionalism and diligence.

"It was tough but the chairman has made his statement and I've got no more to add to that.

"But I was very disappointed for Brendan as well as Dean Austin and Frank Lampard snr. They're good people.

"Brendan will be fine. He's very talented and gifted and there is no doubt in my mind he will be back in management soon."

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strap
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Dec 25, 12:36
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Of course Mr Mad isn't looking anywhere else - appointing BMcD/NG is the cheapest option, and therefore will ALWAYS be the most attractive to Mr Mad.

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Shutup
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Dec 26, 15:51
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Oh do shut up, so what if they are cheap. Give them a chance. Better than some of the big names that have been here in the past

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Harry
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Dec 27, 12:12
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A Reading supporter all my 60 years, the team is a conudrum, the quality players now sold were not doing the business, otherwise we would now be back in the Premier League. I have not the faintest idea what the way forward is, but what I do know on past form Reading failed. Lets hope this new set up can get some fire into its belly and win some games. Because points make survival.

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Jonathan
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Dec 28, 12:18
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There is but one answer to rfc that is to bring back the 'chosen one' steve coppel with a xmas gift of cash to buy new players instead of the league one outfit we have now

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