McDermott: `It's my time.'

Anthony Smith • Published 20 Dec 2009 10:00 Comments 1 Comment

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BRIAN McDermott believes he has earned the right to be the next Reading manager, declaring: `it's my time.'

Royals' caretaker boss took charge of his first game on Saturday when Simon Church stepped off the bench to score an injury-time equaliser that sealed a deserved 1-1 draw at Bristol City.

And 48-year-old McDermott is confident he is the right man to replace Brendan Rodgers and take the next step into full-time management from his position as chief scout.

McDermott has fulfilled a number of roles in his 10 years with the Royals, including a stint as reserve team boss when they won a national title during the club's Premier League days.

The ex-Arsenal midfield has also managed Slough Town and Woking and boasts an extensive knowledge of the game.

However, he faces tough competition among several high-profile candidates including Darren Ferguson, Alan Curbishley, Lawrie Sanchez and Gareth Southgate.

But Church's last-gasp equaliser certainly did McDermott's chances no harm.

And he declared: "I think for me it's time, it's my time.

"It's been a really emotional week with Brendan going. We thought he was going to be here a long time but he's gone.

"I got the call from the chairman at 5.30pm on Wednesday to ask me to take care of the team.

"Then Nick Hammond (director of football) called so I brought them over to my house for a chat and it's got to this stage.

"I've been here 10 years already but there's no point looking back or too far forward. I just want to get on with things.

"It's been a trying week. It was difficult but the players were outstanding."

And when asked whether Rodgers' departure after just 21 Championship games came as a shock, McDermott replied: "I'm never surprised by anything in football.

"That's what football's like. I've known Brendan a long time and it's going to be a difficult period for him I'm sure.

"I've tried ringing him but I couldn't get through. But he's a resilient character and he will be a very good manager in the future, I'm certain of that."

The day started badly for McDermott when City were awarded a dubious 13th minute penalty for an apparent shove by Jay Tabb on Nicky Maynard which Paul Hartley converted.

But Royals were by far the better side overall and deserved at least a point which came when McDermott's subs linked up in injury time.

Jimmy Kebe whipped over a dangerous cross and Church, without breaking stride, helped the ball towards the far corner where it spun in off the post.

Sadly, Church's celebration brought him his second booking and a sending off, his first coming for berating a linesman following the award of City's penalty by referee Mike Haywood.

Wales international Church will now be suspended for Reading's Boxing Day clash with Swansea City at the Madejski Stadium.

But McDermott praised his team's spirit after a turbulent week: "Heads could easily have gone down at 1-0 but they got their rewards, though I still think we should have won.

"It was a great ball in from Jimmy Kebe and a terrific goal by Simon.

"The players gave me everything. We played a little differently and had Simon not been sent off I would have fancied our chances of winning the game in injury time with all 11 men."

And McDermott argued Church should not have been booked for celebrating with the Reading fans. "I think the momentum of the other players took Simon into the crowd and he was unlucky to get a second caution," he insisted.

"I didn't see what happened for the first yellow card, but it was very hard on the lad to be red carded after scoring such a great goal."

McDermott, assisted by reserve team boss Nigel Gibbs, will prepare the team for the Boxing Day fixture against high-flying Swans.

And he refused to be drawn into speculation over his long-term prospects.

He added: "I haven't looked at a paper or listened to a radio station, I just want to get on with things."

Due to technical problems we were unable to bring you live coverage of Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bristol City.

We do apologise and we hope to rectify the problem before the Swansea City fixture.

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James
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Dec 21, 11:36
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Give Macca the job! The performance at Bristol City showed more guts that Reading have shown all season

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