The Reading Football Club family have rallied this week after iconic manager Brian McDermott opened up on his personal battles.
Spending over 15 years at the club in two spells, including a memorable managerial spell taking the club from a Championship relegation battle to the league title and Premier League football in 2012, he was a scout, youth team coach and figurehead.
Coming back for a less successful and short-lived period in 2015/16, he is still worshipped in Berkshire and had the chance to thank fans at the recent legends match to celebrate his title-winning exploits.
A hero in the dugout, a legend of the club and now a man who has won the ultimate battle of all.
— Supporters’ Trust At Reading (@STARReading) October 3, 2022
A class act as always, STAR and the rest of the @ReadingFC fanbase stand with Brian.
Just as he's always stood with us pic.twitter.com/0e7upgksP2
However, in a recent statement released by the former Arsenal star, it has been revealed that the 61-year-old was battling his own demons in his personal life throughout this era of success.
Referring to the 4-2 play-off final defeat to Swansea City, the year before the title was secured, McDermott said in his statement: "Having lost that play off final v Swansea in 2011, I think I crossed that line. Anxiety, depression and an alcohol addiction, where the alcohol was not working like it once did. That sense of comfort it once gave me, had now gone. What I thought was my biggest friend had become my nemesis."
A LEADER, A LEGEND & now most importantly of all a 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐕𝐎𝐑@proudroyals would like to send their best wishes to Brian McDermott, as the #readingfc fanbase stand with him, just as he has with us
— Proud Royals (@proudroyals) October 3, 2022
He used to manage Slough, he is a Royal now 💙#ItsOkayToNotBeOkay pic.twitter.com/ni4xegV4F4
A heartbreaking account from the architect of one of the club's best seasons. Supporters and players enjoying the time of their lives, all the while the boss was navigating inner turmoil stemming from 'not feeling good enough.'
Social media has exploded with love for the Hall of Famer, with supporters sending their love, support and respect McDermott's way.
After telling his wife in 2015, and arranging help, the former Leeds United and Slough Town boss is seven years sober. As was his mantra as a manager, he is taking it- 'ONE DAY AT A TIME.'
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