McDermott eager to get back to business

James Walker-Roberts • Published 27 Jan 2012 14:30 0 Comments

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Royals boss prepares for Bristol City visit (Saturday, 3pm ko).

IF football has been a sideshow in recent days then Brian McDermott wants the main event to return tomorrow.

Royals have been hitting the headlines after it was announced that Thames Sport Investment - backed by Russian millionaire Anton Zingarevich - are set to buy a 51% stake of the club.

The ground-breaking news has set the rumour mill firmly into motion, with Reading being linked with a host of previous unattainable signings in the week before the transfer window closes.

But McDermott, who admitted he has been a 'bit around over the last couple of weeks' due to the takeover, says his team must not let off-the-pitch speculation affect their promotion push.

"I absolutely need to focus on the football now," he said. "A lot of things have gone on with the takeover and now I need complete focus on what I have to do.

"We missed an opportunity against Hull on Saturday. A lot of stuff went on and we're not making excuses, but we really need to get back to business so that we're ready for Bristol City."

The news of a takeover was first released to the public last Friday night, less than 24 hours before Reading hosted play-off rivals Hull City - a game they went on to lose 1-0.

"The dressing room was quite quiet, a lot of players were wondering what was going on," revealed McDermott.

"I felt there was also a strange atmosphere at the ground. There was a lot of talk, a lot of rumours. But the news is out there now and it's really important that we do get back to business. Any distractions have to go out of the window now, that's really important.

"We were disappointed to lose to Hull on Saturday because it was an opportunity to get closer to the top two. But that's gone and we've got another opportunity this Saturday."

The spotlight will be on Reading in more ways than one this Saturday as they host the struggling Pirates in one of just two Championship games.

Royals overturned a two-goal deficit in the final minute to win 3-2 when the sides met earlier in the season at Ashton Gate.

But although 11 places separate the teams in the Championship table, McDermott is aware his charges will need to improve if they are to complete the double over Bristol.

"We have to play better than we did particularly in the second half against Hull," he admitted. "We've got to pass the ball better, keep the ball better and control the game better. We have to create more chances and it's something we will work on."

"They've got wide players with pace, they're a good team and they played well against Doncaster last week.

"It's a local game, there should be a good atmosphere and hopefully we can get back to normal and concentrate solely on the football.

"I know we need to be better, but we've won seven out of ten. We deserved to beat Watford, we weren't good enough against Cardiff and now we have another chance."

New signings Jason Roberts and Tomasz Cywka could be included in Reading's squad.

Jimmy Kebe should also be fit following a slight know, though skipper Jobi McAnuff plus Mikele Leigertwood remain doubts.

Wigan transfer target Nicky Maynard is likely to be play for Bristol City after turning down a move.

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