Published: Wednesday, 27th January, 2010 5:57pm

McDermott becomes permanent Reading manager

by Anthony Smith

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Shout it from the rooftops: Brian McDermott has risen to the very top after more than a decade with the Royals.

BRIAN McDermott has been named Reading's permanent first-team manager after signing a rolling 12-month contract.

The official appointment of the popular 48-year-old former caretaker boss and chief scout ends weeks of speculation surrounding the vacant hotseat following Brendan Rodgers departure in early December.

While McDermott is still searching for his first league win after five attempts, he has led Reading into the FA Cup fifth round for only the second time in 12 years, knocking out Premier League Liverpool and Burnley along the way.

And after a 10-year association with the Royals, he has finally reached the top.

McDermott was told the good news by chairman Sir John Madejski this afternoon (Wednesday).

"I am delighted to have been appointed manager of a club that is very dear to my heart, and I would like to thank the chairman," stated McDermott. "We have an excellent relationship going back a number of years.

"As a team we have shown good signs in the past few weeks but we must be more consistent. We are approaching a vital run of games and I will be doing everything I can to ensure we get back up the table as soon as possible.

"The supporters can really make a difference and I am confident we can reward them between now and the end of the season."

McDermott takes control of his first game as permanent boss this Saturday when Royals host Barnsley (3pm).

Royals chairman Sir John Madejski said: "From the outset I said I would take my time because this is a very important decision. I have great faith in Brian and his period in charge simply reaffirmed what I already knew.

"It was important to give him an opportunity and he has taken it with both hands."

Meanwhile, it has emerged Sheffield United are tracking Royals centre-back Matt Mills.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell is desperate to bring in defensive cover after Andy Taylor limped out of Tuesday's 3-0 victory over Reading to join an ever-growing injury-list.

Blackwell confirmed his interest in Mills saying: "We are looking at a few players and Matt Mills is definitely one that I have looked at.

"He is a player that I thought did very well at Doncaster."

But McDermott insists Royals have not received a single offer for their players: "We've received no bids from no-one," he insisted.

For all the latest Royals news buy Thursday's Chronicle....