Reading legend Brian McDermott thoroughly enjoyed his two sell-out nights at Blue Collar Corner this week, giving a presentation on his alcohol addiction and how he regained balance in his life.

The iconic manager, who lead the club to the Premier League in 2012, gave a presentation on his battle, speaking candidly about his battles with mental health and addiction, before opening up the floor for supporters to tell their stories.

Speaking to the Reading Chronicle, the 61-year-old admits he was nervous but that he's pleased with the outcome.

"There was such a nice vibe in the room," he started. "I was nervous because it was really personal. I’ve done the talk a lot of times now, but it was the first time I’ve done it in Reading, and everyone was lovely. All the football stuff I was talking about, the players, everyone knew. They didn’t know my story, but it was nice that I could talk about players. I really enjoyed the last two nights.

"It was more emotional because they know me pretty well. They knew my job title and my persona. They probably know me a bit more now as a person, which is nice. Football managers and players are people. I tried to talk about that in the presentation, look at the person first. That’s the same in any walk of life or anything you do."

Out of the managerial hotseat since his time at Leeds United ended over seven years ago, the former Slough Town favourite said that  it has given him a new purpose, to get people talking.

"It gives me a purpose. If I can go around and give these talks. I’m looking at it as what sort of part can I play in our world, of football, office work or whatever. What can I do that makes a bit of a difference?

"I think it is really important you can get a situation in companies where people are opening up in a public forum, where they are heard, and not frightened to be heard. You know what a lot of industries are like, people are frightened to talk and open up. That’s what I’m fighting, I want people to be heard. Ask people how they’re doing, and don’t just tick boxes- sit and listen. The most important person is the one you are with."

There is one final night at the town centre venue, next Wednesday November 23, with tickets still available.