Sir John in awe of Royals' spirit

Anthony Smith • Published 21 Dec 2009 14:00 Comments 1 Comment

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ROYALS chairman Sir John Madejski has praised the spirit shown by the players at Bristol City following a turbulent week at the club.

Brendan Rodgers was relieved of his duties late last Wednesday with chief scout Brian McDermott placed in temporary charge.

And the performance in the 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate suggested the players want McDermott to land the position on a full-time basis.

Madejski, too, has hinted the 48-year-old could get the job permanently, though Darren Ferguson, Alan Curbishley, Gareth Southgate and Lawrie Sanchez have all been linked with the vacant position.

But Madejski was clearly delighted with the teams dogged display at Ashton Gate where Simon Church's dramatic late equaliser secured a deserved point.

"We were all over Bristol City for much of the game, so I'm very pleased," said Madejski.

"I'm very proud of my squad. I thought we played with great pride and gave it everything we've got.

"It was an emotional game and I'm delighted we managed to get the draw in the last minute as we deserved it.

"Draw away and win at home, that's what it's all about from here on in and we'll kick on.

"Everyone's playing well, the squad is united and Brian did a great job in his first game in charge. I'm very pleased with what I saw."

Madejski also thanked the 1,200 Royals fans who made the trip to Ashton Gate.

"It was a very good turnout, they were all on form and we gave them a nice Christmas present with the goal at the end of the game," he stated.

"I think we played extremely well, we dominated most of the game and I was delighted when we got the equaliser because, quite frankly, I thought we deserved to win."

Meanwhile, Church apologised for his red card disappointment on Saturday after stepping off the bench to score a last-gasp equaliser.

McDermott's substitutions paid off when Jimmy kebe crossed for Church to score deep into stoppage time.

But as he celebrated in front of Royals fans Welsh international Church was pushed into the crowd and received his second caution of the afternoon.

The first was for berating a linesman after referee Mark Haywood had awarded the Robins a highly contentious penalty for an apparent push by Jay Tabb on Nicky Maynard in the 13th minute.

And Church, 21, admitted: "It's a learning curve for me and the first booking is something I regret doing.

"It was a moment where you just feel like you've been robbed, but I've got to learn from that.

"As for the second one, I can't understand what he's booked me for. I was celebrating in front of our fans then got pushed in.

"But it's another learning curve and I've got to keep my cool next time."

However, Church also argued: "Referees don't understand what it's like scoring a goal, with the timing of it and how the game was going, but it's a rule and I've broken it."

Church now faces a one game ban and will miss the Boxing Day home fixture against Swansea City. However, he insists the squad will continue to fight for McDermott.

"Obviously we've lost a great guy, but another one has come straight in and we know Brian really well and he's going to take us to great things next season," argued Church.

"That's not for me to make the decision, but as players we all feel comfortable under Brian and we want to do well for him."

Jay Tabb is likely to be fit for the Swansea game after coming off at half-time at Ashton Gate.

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Kicker
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Dec 23, 12:08
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Shouldn't the credit for the team's performance go to Bredan Rodgers? I guess Reading will not be buying any new players in January as that was what the tiff was about between Sir J and the ex-manager!

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