From Scout to Manager – Now Reading’s McDermott Is Eyeing Wembley

By James Sullivan

Brian McDermott thinks that Reading’s magical FA Cup run has put the club back on the map and insists that the team should have no fear going into Sunday’s game after wins over Liverpool, Burnley and West Bromwich Albion have taken Reading to their first FA Cup quarter-final in 83 years.

A wounded Aston Villa pose a considerable threat to Reading’s FA Cup ambitions, but the Royals manager is adamant that it is up to his team to take the game by the scruff of the neck rather than worry about the opposition. In fact, this has been McDermott’s policy since taking charge, with the players yet to sit down and watch a video of any opposition team.

“Getting the feel-good factor around the place is important and the cup run has put us back on the map,” said McDermott. “We have a team that plays on the front foot, is athletic and plays good football.”

“Every game that I take as a manager I don’t wait for the opposition, I try to affect the game in a positive way, especially on our own pitch. The last thing I want is to have regrets after the game, so if we are drawing a game, I try and win it. I look at the opposition videos myself, but not the team, I do not put that pressure on the players,” added McDermott, giving an insight into the changes that have taken place since his appointment in December.

In an era where the fielding of weakened teams often devalues the cup, McDermott champions the magic of the competition, confirming it has shaped their whole season.

“The Cup run has galvanised us. We have won 5 of our last 6 league games. The fact we have gone to Liverpool and won, it does give you that confidence. To get that result at Liverpool, as a group they started to believe.”

This belief is built into McDermott’s psyche as his rise to the top has been done the hard way.

“I am nearly 50 now, so I have served a long apprenticeship. When we were in the Premiership I was away 3 or 4 times a week in all sorts of places, so to be around people and have the opportunity to pick a team and make a difference is great.”

In fact, McDermott’s previous role as Reading’s chief scout may go a long way to explaining his success and popularity at the club. Shane Long, who returns on Sunday after a four-match ban, will be keen to do well for the man who helped bring him to the club after watching him play for Cork City against Cobh Ramblers.

“Kevin Doyle was playing in that game and Shane came off the bench. I was on my own that day and then Nicky Hammond and myself went to watch him play for the Ireland semi-pro team and we took him off the back of that.” McDermott proudly declared.

“Shane is a great athlete and we are starting to see the real Shane Long. He is going to just keep improving and he is completely focussed. He is ready to compete for a spot with Ireland.”

Reading are flying the flag for the Football League this Sunday and McDermott is typically bullish on their chances:

“I am a winner so I like playing at home. We have not lost at home in 2010.”

Aston Villa, FA Cup, Reading, Writers - James Sullivan