Leeds United: Newcastle United cup draw brings double delight for Mac
YEP 30/8/13
by Phil Hay
A reunion with Alan Pardew and a tribute to Gary Speed, inset, were the attractions for Brian McDermott after Leeds drew Newcastle United in round three of the Capital One Cup.
McDermott will go head-to-head with the manager who took him to Reading as chief scout more than a decade ago when United clash with Pardew’s Newcastle at St James’ Park during the week beginning September 23.
But the game also features two of the clubs served with distinction by Speed, the former Wales international who died in 2011 at the age of 42.
McDermott said: “The first thing that struck me about it was Gary Speed. He was a great man who played for both clubs and it’ll be a special occasion.
“I texted (Pardew) straight after the draw and said ‘I can’t believe we’ve got you lot.’ I told him to make sure it’s a full house. We need the money!
“I’m looking forward to it. He’s a good friend of mine and he took me to Reading 13 years ago as chief scout. He’s a great manager, a good coach and I’ve spoken to him a lot over the past few weeks. It’s quite funny that we’re playing them.”
by Phil Hay
A reunion with Alan Pardew and a tribute to Gary Speed, inset, were the attractions for Brian McDermott after Leeds drew Newcastle United in round three of the Capital One Cup.
McDermott will go head-to-head with the manager who took him to Reading as chief scout more than a decade ago when United clash with Pardew’s Newcastle at St James’ Park during the week beginning September 23.
But the game also features two of the clubs served with distinction by Speed, the former Wales international who died in 2011 at the age of 42.
McDermott said: “The first thing that struck me about it was Gary Speed. He was a great man who played for both clubs and it’ll be a special occasion.
“I texted (Pardew) straight after the draw and said ‘I can’t believe we’ve got you lot.’ I told him to make sure it’s a full house. We need the money!
“I’m looking forward to it. He’s a good friend of mine and he took me to Reading 13 years ago as chief scout. He’s a great manager, a good coach and I’ve spoken to him a lot over the past few weeks. It’s quite funny that we’re playing them.”
