Reading FC manager McDermott seeks points not plaudits
Anthony Smith • Published 8 Mar 2012 12:30
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BRIAN McDermott says the only approval his players need is from Reading fans themselves.
Royals complained this week about the lack of plaudits they have received during their storming march up the table.
McDermott's men beat Millwall and Portsmouth in the past week to stretch their winning run to seven matches, leaving them three points behind Championship leaders Southampton with a game in hand.
But it seems they have been largely ignored by the media, a criticism striker Noel Hunt highlighted in a recent Twitter rant.
However, McDermott told the Chronicle: "On reflection, I really don't think it matters whether we get the credit or not.
"We give credit to players ourselves but the crucial thing is to receive credit from your own fans.
"That is the most important thing here by far, and I'm pleased to say we've got a loyal bunch who stick with their team through thick and thin.
"We're on a good run at the moment and I hope they are enjoying every minute of it."
Reading's metoric rise may have gone largely undetected outside of Berkshire, but the anticipation is rapidly growing amongst supporters.
Royals look nailed-on certainties to finish in the play-offs at the very least for the second year running, though automatic promotion must now be McDermott's aim from here on.
He added: "The fans should really be as proud as punch with the players and what they are doing at the moment.
"Every time they pull on a Reading shirt they are playing for themselves, their families but most of all the supporters.
"They are the ones who pay good money to come and see us and to keep doing that when times are tough like they are is brilliant.
"I just hope they enjoy every moment because those players are certainly giving everything out there on the pitch."
Reading have already sold more than 21,000 tickets for the visit of Leicester City this Saturday (3pm ko).
That is followed by three consecutive away fixtures beginning with the rearranged game at Doncaster Rovers next Tuesday (7.45pm ko).
McDermott's men have momentum behind them thanks to 12 wins in their last 14 league matches. But Royals' boss refuses to rest on his laurels.
"We're on a good run but I don't think we're going to be beat any side we come up against," he insisted. "We just make sure we're prepared properly for every game, it's the only thing we can do.
"Portsmouth was a tough game on Tuesday given the circustances surrounding them and a very good win for us in that respect. But in terms of what's ahead of us, we really aren't looking down the line at all. All we do is try and win the next game, as boring as that sounds."
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