Madejski breaks silence over Rodgers' sacking

Anthony Smith • Published 17 Dec 2009 19:00 3 Comments

Share this

ROYALS chairman Sir John Madejski has described the sacking of Brendan Rodgers as one of the hardest decisions he's ever made.

Rodgers, 36, was sacked at a board meeting late on Wednesday afternoon after just 195 days in the job.

But Madejski insisted the team's poor start to the season gave them no choice.

First team coach Dean Austin and football consultant Frank Lampard snr have also left the club.

And in new twist, Madejski confirmed that temporary manager Brian McDermott could now land the role on a permanent basis, shattering rumours that Steve Coppell may return or that Darren Ferguson, Gareth Southgate and Alan Curbishley are the leading contenders.

Rodgers won only five of his 21 games in charge leaving Royals just one position above the drop zone ahead of a tough trip to Bristol City this Saturday.

And Madejski explained: "Brendan is a really decent guy and I got on incredibly well with him.

"It was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make.

"But the trouble with football is you live and die by the sword. It's all about results at the end of the day.

"We felt the position we're in, which is one position above the relegation zone, with the squad that we have, it wasn't commensurate.

"It may have worked out differently somewhere else, who knows? But we felt we could no longer go on."

And Madejski argued the news of Rodgers' departure will surprise few people.

"You say people are surprised but there have been rumblings for some time that we weren't doing as well as we should have been doing," he stated.

"But I think Brendan's a good man and I wish him every success. I want to thank him, Dean Austin and Frank Lampard for their hard work while they were here.

"Brendan was philosophical when I told him. He's an intelligent guy and knows what the score is.

"I'm sure we'll remain on good terms. We just expected to be higher up the league than where we are. I felt we had to make a decision."

Madejski denies the club have lined up a replacement and stressed McDermott has as good a chance as anyone of getting the permanent job.

The 48-year-old ex-Arsenal midfielder has managed Slough Town and Woking in the past as well as Reading's reserve side when they won a national title.

Madejski stressed: "Brian McDermott has been here for 10 years. He's successfully managed the reserves in our two years in the Premier League, won trophies and knows the club intimately.

"This is a time for reflection. We're not going to rush into anything. There are people here with great football knowledge and we need to reflect."

And when asked if McDermott had a chance of landing the full-time role, he replied: "I'm absolutely not ruling it out."

And Madejski laughed at reports suggesting he and Rodgers parted company

after a heated bust-up : "I never had a cross word with him, ever, and you can

take that as gospel," he said.

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

Steve
Unregistered User
Dec 18, 00:45
Report comment

Oh noooo, sounds like Mr Mad is going for the cheapest option with McDermott, hes going to wait and see,jeez bring in Coppell or Fergussion anyone with a proven track record PLEASE.We dont have to time to wait and see!!!!

Recommend? Yes 0 No 0
liverlips
Unregistered User
Dec 18, 01:27
Report comment

It doesn't make sense that they would sack Rodgers and let McDermott take over. Surely it would be better to give Rodgers more time. A replacement must be lined up already

Recommend? Yes 0 No 0
******
Dec 22, 13:04
Report comment

This comment has been removed by a moderator
Peter
Unregistered User
Dec 27, 14:29
Report comment

I can't imagine coppell coming back having sold the heart of the side he built.

Recommend? Yes 0 No 0

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.

Follow @rdgchronicle