Former Reading boss McDermott agrees three-year deal at Leeds
Mail 12/4/13
By John Edwards
Brian McDermott returns to the dug out for Saturday’s Yorkshire derby at Elland Road determined to prove Reading owner Anton Zingarevich blundered by sacking him as Reading boss.
Confirmed as Leeds manager on a three-year deal, at an Elland Road press conference on Friday afternoon, McDermott insisted his priority task was steering his new team away from Championship relegation trouble, starting against Sheffield Wednesday in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
But, asked by Sportsmail if he had a point to prove to Zingarevich, he thought for a moment before answering: ‘I have proved points about my managerial ability many times before, and I think my record suggests that I know what I am doing. But the answer to your question is yes.
‘It was a shock to me at the time, and it is entirely possible I wouldn’t have taken another job at this stage of the season anywhere else but here.
'This is a massive club with a real history to it, and they are getting a manager and assistant, in Nigel Gibbs, who are very hungry to succeed and, yes, to prove a point.
‘There is nothing wrong with that, and i have told the players they have a point to prove as well. They need to step out in this fantastic stadium and show they have got what it takes to feed off the unbelievable atmosphere these fans generate.
‘I don’t know about facing Reading next season, if they go down. I’m looking no further than Sheffield Wednesday and trying to start things with three points. I have spoken to Neil Redfearn (caretaker manager) and I am ready to take control straightaway and take my place in the dug-out tomorrow. To be honest, I can’t wait.’
McDermott bluntly admitted he has received no promises about transfer backing in the summer and that a significant bid from Manchester City for Sam Byram would be hard to resist.
‘I have received assurances that the owners want to take the club forward, but the question of money will be addressed in the summer,’ he said.
‘I happen to think that any young player on our books would be best off staying here and developing as a Leeds player, and I am desperate to keep the squad intact.
'But if there is a massive bid from a Premier League club for one of our youngsters, it would be up to the board to decide.’
David Haigh, deputy chief executive of GFH Capital, said: 'We are delighted to have appointed Brian as our manager.
'He is a man with a proven track record of success and shares our vision of the best way to return long terms and sustainable success to this great football club.
'Obviously the immediate aim is a return as soon as possible to the Premiership.
'Brian's success in taking Reading to the Premiership last year was a key factor in our decision to hire him.'
Brian McDermott returns to the dug out for Saturday’s Yorkshire derby at Elland Road determined to prove Reading owner Anton Zingarevich blundered by sacking him as Reading boss.
Confirmed as Leeds manager on a three-year deal, at an Elland Road press conference on Friday afternoon, McDermott insisted his priority task was steering his new team away from Championship relegation trouble, starting against Sheffield Wednesday in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
But, asked by Sportsmail if he had a point to prove to Zingarevich, he thought for a moment before answering: ‘I have proved points about my managerial ability many times before, and I think my record suggests that I know what I am doing. But the answer to your question is yes.
‘It was a shock to me at the time, and it is entirely possible I wouldn’t have taken another job at this stage of the season anywhere else but here.
'This is a massive club with a real history to it, and they are getting a manager and assistant, in Nigel Gibbs, who are very hungry to succeed and, yes, to prove a point.
‘There is nothing wrong with that, and i have told the players they have a point to prove as well. They need to step out in this fantastic stadium and show they have got what it takes to feed off the unbelievable atmosphere these fans generate.
‘I don’t know about facing Reading next season, if they go down. I’m looking no further than Sheffield Wednesday and trying to start things with three points. I have spoken to Neil Redfearn (caretaker manager) and I am ready to take control straightaway and take my place in the dug-out tomorrow. To be honest, I can’t wait.’
McDermott bluntly admitted he has received no promises about transfer backing in the summer and that a significant bid from Manchester City for Sam Byram would be hard to resist.
‘I have received assurances that the owners want to take the club forward, but the question of money will be addressed in the summer,’ he said.
‘I happen to think that any young player on our books would be best off staying here and developing as a Leeds player, and I am desperate to keep the squad intact.
'But if there is a massive bid from a Premier League club for one of our youngsters, it would be up to the board to decide.’
David Haigh, deputy chief executive of GFH Capital, said: 'We are delighted to have appointed Brian as our manager.
'He is a man with a proven track record of success and shares our vision of the best way to return long terms and sustainable success to this great football club.
'Obviously the immediate aim is a return as soon as possible to the Premiership.
'Brian's success in taking Reading to the Premiership last year was a key factor in our decision to hire him.'