The Tilehurst End - Brian McDermott Returns To Reading FCReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2015-12-23T18:35:12+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/101689792015-12-23T18:35:12+00:002015-12-23T18:35:12+00:00Quiz Of The Week: Return Of The Mac
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<p>Brian McDermott is back in charge of Reading. But how much do you know about the promotion-winning boss?</p> <p>The last quiz here on The Tilehurst End was all about managers past and present of Reading Football Club, and since then, it's been one in and one out at the Madjeski Stadium, as Steve Clarke was sacked and replaced by former boss Brian McDermott. It's the latter who is the subject of this week's quiz, as we have 10 questions about McDermott and his career. The score to beat is 61% (the average last time around), and you can let us know how you got on in the comments below or tweet us @TheTilehurstEnd!</p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/12/23/10660008/quiz-of-the-week-return-of-the-mac-brian-mcdermott-madjeski-stadium-reading-fcOlly_Allen2015-12-23T15:52:24+00:002015-12-23T15:52:24+00:00McDermott Reveals Quadruple Job Rejection
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<p>Brian McDermott has revealed that he rebuffed four chances to return to management before returning to Reading.</p> <p>The 54-year-old left <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/">Leeds United</a> in May 2014 before quickly taking up a position with Premier League Arsenal that saw McDermott return to scouting. Such was his commitment to the Gunners, a side he spent seven years at as a player, that McDermott turned down a return to management with four unnamed clubs.</p>
<p>In his pre-match press conference, the ex-Slough man said:</p>
<blockquote>"I committed to Arsenal for a year when I first went in there. They didn't want me to go in there and leave straight away after getting offered a job." <br>"I turned down probably four jobs because I had shaken hands on a deal saying I would definitely stay for one year. It was black and white for me, I wasn't going to go anywhere - whoever came in for me. <br>"And then this opportunity came to me, Reading wanted to speak to me and it felt right. <br>"I felt I needed to do more in my life and I wanted to get back in among it. <br>"I hope it's right for the club and the supporters. If I didn't feel it was completely right on both sides I wouldn't have come back."</blockquote>
<p>It is a testament to Brian's love for the Royals that he came back at the drop of a hat, having admitted after being sacked in 2013 that he hoped and thought he'd manage Reading for a very long time. As to the identity of those four clubs, we are purely left to our own devices, and with pretty much every Championship club having changed their manager in the last 12 months, it's anyone's guess.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/12/23/10658362/reading-fc-boss-mcdermott-reveals-quadruple-rejection-before-madejskiMarc Mayo2015-12-19T07:00:02+00:002015-12-19T07:00:02+00:00First Time Around: The Best & Worst Of Brian
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<p>With the dust settling of Brian McDermott's re-appointment as Reading FC manager, Marc details the stories behind his three best and three worst games in his first spell at the club.</p> <h4>The Best</h4>
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<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/cardiff-city" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardiff City</a> 0-3 Reading - Play-Off Semi-Final - May 17th 2011</h4>
<p>In no particular order we start with the game that firmly cemented Brian McDermott as a modern great for the Royals. Some may call that hyperbole but at the time this match not only proved that Reading had re-found their promotion mojo, but that there was serious belief that we could have a second shot at the Premier League for real. Sealing our first trip to the New Wembley, Shane Long's opener was not just a case of lucky deflections, but a hard-working, chase-every-ball attitude that was combined with the serious guile of a perfectly-weighted lob finish.</p>
<p>As part of the travelling masses that day, Reading fans could hardly believe their luck when Long's penalty made it 2-0 before half-time. By the time <span>Jobi McAnuff</span> wriggled through half of the Brecon Beacons to smash home a third it was a night of pure ecstasy for Reading, with McDermott getting the biggest reception of the entire squad. That was because there was no expectation and the manager had taken a nowhere squad to Wembley, a squad on the night consisting of a former Irish international brought back up from League One, a low-rated right-back thrust into right-midfield, a past-it Icelandic defensive midfielder, and a no-hoper striker signed from Hereford.</p>
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<h4>West Ham 2-4 Reading - Championship - 31st March 2012</h4>
<p>After bouncing back from a defeat at Wembley (more on that later) the Royals had a stonking final two-thirds to the 2011/12 season. Once again, promotion was on the cards but this time around it was serious. A pure fire-in-the-belly approach, spurred on by bigger players surrounding them, firmly in the Zingarevich honeymoon period, and with a gameplan that came through the biggest of tests. On this Spring day at Upton Park, all of that came together in a match between two very contrasting clubs.</p>
<p>While the Hammers fans chanted against their coach Sam Allardyce despite an early lead, Reading remained in the game but a sense of worry that it was all one game too far was certainly eminent. McDermott kept his faith, though, and when <span>Kaspars Gorkss</span> headed Reading level on 44 minutes there were wild celebrations. When Noel Hunt fired the visitors ahead on 45 minutes there was sheer pandemonium. To this day, no manager has brought that feeling to Reading since Brian did and not many had before him. The game finished 4-2 and the rest was history, McDermott eventually leading the Royals to the league title, but his attitude remained down to earth. His first words after the win against West Ham? "It's three points. That's all it is."</p>
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<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/THs915bDkyI" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h4>Liverpool 1-2 Reading (AET) - FA Cup Third Round - 13th January 2010</h4>
<p>A lot of contenders arise for the third spot on this list. Honourable mentions go to routs over <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/sheffield-wednesday" class="sbn-auto-link">Sheffield Wednesday</a> (5-0) and Peterborough (6-0) in early 2010, the 3-1 win over Southampton that effectively sealed the Championship title in 2012, the Premier League comebacks against Chelsea (2-2) and West Brom (3-2), and even the away FA Cup wins over Everton (1-0) and West Brom (3-2, again). However, to fully appreciate Reading's first and only victory at Anfield, a lot of context needs to be understood.</p>
<p>After a strong 1-1 home draw, Reading took a team consisting of unproven youngsters <span>Jem Karacan</span>, <span>Matt Mills</span>, Ryan Bertrand, Simon Church and Gylfi Sigurdsson to take on a Liverpool side that started Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt. Furthermore, this was a Reading side that stank out the house during the first half of the season under Brendan Rodgers, and had now installed a backroom nobody to steer the team while a bigger name came along. That name was not needed, as McDermott set up a tough to beat outfit that undeservedly fell behind in the first period, almost pulling level with a classy McAnuff run and miss before Gylfi's ice cool penalty in the 94th minute. Shane Long's header made the history, kicking off the McDermott era in what would become typical fashion.</p>
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<h4>The Worst</h4>
<h4>Swansea City 4-2 Reading - Play-Off Final - 30th May 2011</h4>
<p>Apologies in advance for bringing this up, but here Brian McDermott got a lesson in Reading's awful play-off record alongside something of a masterclass from ex-Royals boss Brendan Rodgers. It is perhaps harsh to label this as McDermott's failings, because many factors mitigate that; individually, the previously excellent Zurab Kizinashvili, Andy Griffin and <span>Ian Harte</span> gave their worst performances in a Hoops shirt, and of course Reading were a width of a post and a Gary Monk from levelling the game at 3-3. Indeed, Reading's future successes can certainly be put down to this as something of a learning curve.</p>
<p>However, a Reading with Shane Long almost certainly would have made a better shot at the Premier League than the one without it that arrived and quickly departed a year later. Therefore, this was obviously a must-win game. In the first-half the Royals were desperately under-prepared for a counter-attacking romp that put a clinical Swansea three goals to the good. They should have seen this coming, two defeats to the Swans during the regular season was ample preparation and despite the hope of a comeback, McDermott had simply set his side up to be picked off by the Swans.</p>
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<h4>Reading 0-3 <a href="https://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wigan Athletic</a> - Premier League - 23rd February 2013</h4>
<p>The game that relegated Reading. Not literally, that was the dire 0-0 draw with QPR after Brian had been hastily thrown overboard, but the excellent work done in January to lift the Royals out of the drop zone was undone when our chief rivals trounced us in our own backyard. The performance was quite awful, even in hindsight. As was typical for Reading in the Premier League, too much respect was given to their opponents who dominated possession and not enough subtlety was generated in attack. What had worked in the latter weeks of winning the Championship had failed in the top-tier, this being the real case of one game too far in our survival stakes.</p>
<p>Much of this can be put to McDermott. A decent if unspectacular set of transfers had improved the team but he rigidly stuck with favourites Harte, Leigertwood, McAnuff and Hunt, many of whom were considered to be in their twilight years as far back as 2011. As mentioned the one dimensional gameplan were stubbornly stuck to and his expert ability to man manage his players had faded to dust due to a combination of both factors and the addition of bigger egos such as <span>Danny Guthrie</span> and <span>Pavel Pogrebnyak</span>.</p>
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<h4>Reading 5-7 Arsenal - League Cup Fourth Round - 30th October 2012</h4>
<p>Last and most certainly least is the most embarrassing moment of being a Reading supporter in recent memory. No one really cares if we lose 6-0 to Peterborough in the League Cup (although we still do, Nigel), and few even remember McDermott's weak losses to the likes of Plymouth and Barnsley. Everyone, however big a team they supported, knew about Reading blowing a four-goal lead at home to Arsenal.</p>
<p>How much blame can McDermott take for this crushing defeat? Several key moments point to yes. 4-0 up in injury time of the first-half is a pretty simple position, and yet a wide open Reading lost possession while pressing ridiculously high in the 46th minute, gifting Theo Walcott a run and goal. Pressure was too much to prevent another Arsenal goal and even when Laurent Koscielny scored in the 89th minute it should have been too late. Nevertheless, McDermott, in his wisdom, brought on <span>Simon Church</span> for <span>Jason Roberts</span> in stoppage time to allow just enough time to be added on for Walcott to smash a controversially late goal. Without Roberts, Reading were then woefully under-prepared for extra time and it was simply a matter of course for Arsenal to tuck away three more in a twelve goal massacre.</p>
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<p><b><i>What are your best and worst memories of Brian McDermott's first spell with Reading? Comment below.</i></b></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/12/19/10577828/brian-mcdermott-reading-fc-first-spell-best-worstMarc Mayo2015-12-19T06:30:02+00:002015-12-19T06:30:02+00:00Successes And Failures Of Returning Managers
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<p>Olly takes a look back at whether managers returning to their former clubs endure success or failure in their second spell.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>With Reading announcing Brian McDermott as their new manager, some fans are questioning whether he should have returned to the club whom he took charge of between December 2009 and March 2013. During that time, he guided the Royals to a play-off final, the Championship title and two FA Cup Quarter-Finals. </span></p>
<p>Looking back through history, bosses returning to former clubs have had mixed results. Here are the pick of the successes and failures…</p>
<h3><span>Successes</span></h3>
<h4><span>Eddie Howe – AFC Bournemouth</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>At 31 years old, Eddie Howe was appointed manager of Bournemouth (a team he used to play for) in January 2009 and overturned a 17 point deficit to save the club from relegation out of the Football League that season. It was the start of a major success story on the South Coast, as the following season, Howe got the Cherries promoted despite the club being under a transfer embargo.</span></p>
<p>His side continued to impress in League One, and eventually Championship side Burnley came knocking in January 2011 and Howe left for Turf Moor. But after guiding the Clarets to eighth and 13<sup>th</sup> placed finishes, he departed due to "personal reasons" in October 2012. Bournemouth quickly snapped him back up, and Howe picked up where he left off, taking the club to the second division that campaign. They found their feet in the Championship in 2013-14, finishing 10<sup>th</sup>, before winning the league last season to go up to the top flight for the first time in their history. In April, Howe was named as the Football League Manager of the Decade, and it’s safe to say he is worshipped at Dean Court.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><i>In his press conference, Brian McDermott said that he spoke to Eddie Howe about going back to his old club.</i></span></p>
<h4><span>Jose Mourinho – Chelsea</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>He might not be showing it at the moment, but Jose Mourinho is one of the best managers in world football, and he’s found success at every club he has taken charge of, including twice at Chelsea. Mourinho was first appointed by the West London club in June 2004 after winning the Champions League with Porto, calling himself ‘the Special One’ upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge. In three years at the club, he led the Blues to their first league title in 50 years and then won it again the following campaign, whilst he also lifted the FA Cup, Community Shield and League Cup (twice).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>The Portuguese boss unexpectedly left in September 2007 despite being the club’s most successful ever manager, never losing at home in the league. But after spells in charge of Inter Milan and then Real Madrid, the love affair began again as he was re-appointed Chelsea boss in June 2013. Mourinho didn’t win any trophies in his first campaign, but last season the Blues stormed to the Premier League title and also lifted the League Cup. A terrible start to this campaign earned him the sack earlier this week, but will we see him return to Stamford Bridge for a third spell in the future?</span></p>
<h4><span>Tony Pulis – Stoke City</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Following two years out of management, Tony Pulis was appointed manager of Stoke City in November 2002, and survived a Championship relegation battle in his first season in charge, a feat he regards as one of his best achievements in management. Despite then guiding the Potters to 11<sup>th </sup>and 12<sup>th</sup> place in the following two campaigns, a disagreement with the club’s Icelandic owners in the summer of 2005 led to his sacking.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>But he was back at the Britannia Stadium just a year later, with new owner Peter Coates clearly disapproving of the decision made the summer before by his predecessor. After just missing out on the play-offs in 2006-07, Pulis led Stoke to promotion to the Premier League on the final day of 2007-08 meaning that they would play top flight football for the first time in 23 years. Thanks to the Welshman, they are now an established Premier League team, and a model that many other promoted teams have tried to base themselves on. On top of that, Pulis and Stoke reached the FA Cup final in 2011.</span></p>
<h3><span>Failures</span></h3>
<h4><span>Kevin Keegan – Newcastle United</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>In his first role in management, Kevin Keegan was given the top job at Newcastle United in 1992, a club who he had featured for as a player in the mid-80s. With the Magpies languishing in the second tier, he earned promotion in his second season, and then guided them to third in the Premier League the following campaign. This meant that European football would be played on Tyneside for the first time since the 1970s, but the good times didn’t end there. Keegan, or ‘King Kev’ as he was by then known, would go on to lead Newcastle to second place in the top flight in 1996 before resigning January 1997.</span></p>
<p>Nine years later, he returned to St. James’ Park, much to the delight of the Toon faithful. But he failed to win any of his first eight games back in charge before taking the club to a 12<sup>th</sup> place finish in 2008-09. But tensions had begun to rise between Keegan and the club’s infamous owner Mike Ashley, and on 1<sup>st</sup> September 2009, he was reportedly sacked by Newcastle, although he claimed he resigned on the same day. After a tribunal case, Keegan was awarded £2 million as a result of unfair treatment by the club. The 64 year old has not had a managerial role since, and claims he <i>would</i> consider another return to Newcastle, but only if Mike Ashley left the club.</p>
<h4><span>Kenny Dalglish - Liverpool</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">A Kop legend in his time as a player at Liverpool, Kenny Dalglish’s hero status on Merseyside continued with a successful spell as manager of the club between 1985 and 1991. During that time, he won 11 trophies, including two FA Cups and three league titles – including the most recent time the Reds won England’s top division. He resigned on health grounds when Liverpool were three points clear at the top of table in February 1991, whilst his win percentage at the club is only bettered by the legendary Bob Paisley.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool had suffered a severe fall from grace when ‘King Kenny’ was re-appointed in January 2011, and it’s fair to say that the Scot himself too wasn’t as successful second time around. He may have won the League Cup in 2012, but the rest of his time at the club doesn’t make for good reading, as he failed to get them back in the Champions League, whilst in 2011-12, the Reds finished in eighth – their worst league performance since 1994 which led to Dalglish’s sacking.</p>
<h4>Billy Davies - Nottingham Forest</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>A manager not to have another job between his two stints at a club was Billy Davies at Nottingham Forest, whose first spell at the City Ground began in on New Year's’ Day 2009. In three years at the club, he survived a relegation scrap before guiding them to third and then sixth – going on an 18 match unbeaten run and picking up three Championship manager of the month awards along the way. Unfortunately, failure to earn promotion got ‘King Billy’ (there’s a recurring theme here) sacked in the summer of 2011.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>After being out of work for 20 months, the Scot returned, with Nottingham Forest now under new ownership. However, he was to last just over year, and ruined his reputation in the East Midlands by sacking long-serving club staff without explanation, shouting at a photographer taking photos for the club's match day programme after a game at Millwall and banning journalists issuing a "near media blackout". It was a fall from grace for Davies, who also oversaw an eight game winless run and a 5-0 loss to rivals Derby County.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Have you got any other examples of managers coming back to an old club and it being a storming success or dramatic failure? What will happen with McDermott at Reading? Comment below.</i></b></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/12/19/10236020/successes-and-failures-of-returning-managers-brian-mcdermott-reading-fc-madjeski-stadiumOlly_Allen2015-12-18T09:43:43+00:002015-12-18T09:43:43+00:00TOTW: Brian's Back!
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<figcaption>Guess who's back?! | <a href='https://twitter.com/charles_watts/status/677493441064996864'>Charles Watts (Twitter)</a></figcaption>
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<p>A lot can happen in a week. And it did.</p> <p>When I first sat down to compile Tweets of the Week on Wednesday morning, I flicked through Twitter and saw that very little of interest had happened since the Wednesday previous. "There won't be a TOTW this week," I muttered to the editorial team, "not much has happened."</p>
<p>A lot can change in just two days. Since Wednesday morning we've had an unfortunate defeat to Hull City (Tigers?) and a certain bald-headed eagl—sorry, manager has returned.</p>
<p>That's more like it.</p>
<h4>Let's start with nostalgia from days gone by...</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">4 YEARS AGO TODAY: A Simon Church brace and a goal from Alex Pearce helped <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReadingFC?src=hash">#ReadingFC</a> to a 3-0 over West Ham. <a href="https://t.co/6zuyKE1lJB">pic.twitter.com/6zuyKE1lJB</a></p>
— Talk Reading (@TalkReading) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkReading/status/674860572060577792">December 10, 2015</a>
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<h4>Former Reading FC wideman Michail Antonio has finally been given a chance at his new club. Unsurprisingly, he did well.</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy to make my home debut and get man of the match! <a href="https://twitter.com/whufc_official">@whufc_official</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHUFC?src=hash">#WHUFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COYI?src=hash">#COYI</a> <a href="https://t.co/VFXQcW5KOl">pic.twitter.com/VFXQcW5KOl</a></p>
— Michail Antonio (@Michailantonio) <a href="https://twitter.com/Michailantonio/status/675745108050997248">December 12, 2015</a>
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<h4>Meanwhile, at the Madejski Stadium against Preston, THE FUTURE made a spot on the bench their own.</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Big thank you to everyone for the messages yesterday dream come true getting on the bench for the first team hopefully get my chance soon </p>
— josh barrett (@10Joshbarrett) <a href="https://twitter.com/10Joshbarrett/status/676017417970196480">December 13, 2015</a>
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<h4>FACT!</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/TheTilehurstEnd">@TheTilehurstEnd</a> My son was born last month. During his lifetime Reading have accumulated more managers than goals.</p>
— Matt Williams (@mattwilliams100) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattwilliams100/status/676099231615164416">December 13, 2015</a>
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<h4>I like to think none of the regular readers of Tweets of the Week would have anything to do with X Factor, but just in case...</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Adele is a massive superstar. Can't wait to see her next year. Just a pure class act.</p>
— Simon Cox (@SCoxy31Real) <a href="https://twitter.com/SCoxy31Real/status/676156261335965696">December 13, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Na na na that was AMAZING <a href="https://twitter.com/louisa">@louisa</a> must win the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XFactorFinal?src=hash">#XFactorFinal</a> everyone get voting for her <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LouisaToWin?src=hash">#LouisaToWin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COYI?src=hash">#COYI</a></p>
— Anton Ferdinand (@anton_ferdinand) <a href="https://twitter.com/anton_ferdinand/status/676142278159818752">December 13, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/anton_ferdinand">@anton_ferdinand</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/louisa">@louisa</a> Anton mate you've been robbed you're better than her</p>
— Chaz (@mccIeary) <a href="https://twitter.com/mccIeary/status/676159669052817408">December 13, 2015</a>
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<h4>We drew Huddersfield in the cup. Again. Arsenal drew Barcelona in the cup. Again. Charles Watts is frustrated. Again.</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/TheTilehurstEnd">@TheTilehurstEnd</a> I have.</p>
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) <a href="https://twitter.com/charles_watts/status/676365415904358400">December 14, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/TheTilehurstEnd">@TheTilehurstEnd</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/charles_watts">@charles_watts</a> Charles 'Hovis' Watts?</p>
— Matthew Cassell (@cassell_matthew) <a href="https://twitter.com/cassell_matthew/status/676367399482953728">December 14, 2015</a>
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<h4>Nick Blackman's facial hair has been misbehaving.</h4>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Blackman sporting some <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/naughty?src=hash">#naughty</a> facial hair on Sky Sports. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a> <a href="https://t.co/xu5LMjdeWm">pic.twitter.com/xu5LMjdeWm</a></p>
— Jacob South Klein (@JacobSouthKlein) <a href="https://twitter.com/JacobSouthKlein/status/676755213705981954">December 15, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<h4>NIGEL RETURNS (for a youth team game)!</h4>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ex Royals boss Nigel Adkins is here, one year to the day since being dismissed by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a> <a href="https://t.co/fv386YGhhw">pic.twitter.com/fv386YGhhw</a></p>
— Neil Macdonald (@xxnapoleonsolo) <a href="https://twitter.com/xxnapoleonsolo/status/676842344948359169">December 15, 2015</a>
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<h4>Better believe he gets fouled.</h4>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nick Blackman: Only Joe Garner (68) & Diego Fabbrini (56) have been fouled more times in the Championship this season than Blackman (47)</p>
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhoScored/status/677181520566747137">December 16, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<h4>Reading turned into Barcelona for their opener up at the KC Stadium on Wednesday.</h4>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A lot of love for the opening goal by <a href="https://twitter.com/nblackman89">@nblackman89</a>... <a href="https://t.co/9FoGnKoKc6">pic.twitter.com/9FoGnKoKc6</a></p>
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/677220987604201477">December 16, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Reading just scored one of the best goals I've ever seen. Outstanding.</p>
— Didi Hamann (@DietmarHamann) <a href="https://twitter.com/DietmarHamann/status/677220695588384768">December 16, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That goal will be on <a href="https://twitter.com/SoccerAM">@SoccerAM</a> on Saturday <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC">@ReadingFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Championship?src=hash">#Championship</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/10in10?src=hash">#10in10</a></p>
— ryan curtis (@ryanavfc1980) <a href="https://twitter.com/ryanavfc1980/status/677221206815350788">December 16, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Did I just witness that... the moment <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC">@ReadingFC</a> turned into Barcelona! 1-0 Come on URZ!!!!</p>
— Stuart Archibald (@stuartarchibald) <a href="https://twitter.com/stuartarchibald/status/677221253896359936">December 16, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-video">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Imagine the reaction if this was Messi, Suarez and Neymar combining. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HULREA?src=hash">#HULREA</a> <a href="https://t.co/LkDBkyqvPA">https://t.co/LkDBkyqvPA</a></p>
— Betfair (@Betfair) <a href="https://twitter.com/Betfair/status/677227524519272448">December 16, 2015</a>
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<h4>Men, women, children. The below tweet may make you tingle.</h4>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Danny Williams and Chuba Akpom enjoy a lovely kiss. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hcafc?src=hash">#hcafc</a> <a href="https://t.co/p9VQmXs3rF">pic.twitter.com/p9VQmXs3rF</a></p>
— Talk Reading (@TalkReading) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkReading/status/677236333442695168">December 16, 2015</a>
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<p>True love.</p>
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<blockquote lang="en" data-conversation="none" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/TalkReading">@TalkReading</a> *five minutes into scrappy Wednesday night game under the lights and chill*</p>
— Matt (@MattJamesJoy) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattJamesJoy/status/677236541236842498">December 16, 2015</a>
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<h4>PEOPLE: You should know by now not to make these sorts of bets.</h4>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Given up on reading this season, if we were to make play offs now I will buy 10 people season tickets for next season <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a></p>
— Lyle (@LylemD) <a href="https://twitter.com/LylemD/status/677257510982656002">December 16, 2015</a>
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<h4>Injury. Crisis.</h4>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Groin injury for Ferdinand, ribs for Taylor. Gunter has had to go to hospital because the cut to his eye is too bad to glue. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a></p>
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) <a href="https://twitter.com/charles_watts/status/677259730029514753">December 16, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" data-conversation="none" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/charles_watts">@charles_watts</a> Bit selfish of Taylor to be worrying about food after a loss.</p>
— Imran Escőbar (@razor5edge) <a href="https://twitter.com/razor5edge/status/677259972376416256">December 16, 2015</a>
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<h4>Guess who's back, back again? Brian's back, tell a friend. Brian's back, Brian's back, Brian's back, *breaks into rap*</h4>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Brian McDermott has been appointed as Reading's manager for the second time. <a href="https://t.co/LB3QkTo9N5">https://t.co/LB3QkTo9N5</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gd8lpzl5ra">pic.twitter.com/Gd8lpzl5ra</a></p>
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/677489339857821697">December 17, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Quinn back from injury and now Brian to return, things are looking up ❤️</p>
— The Tilehurst End (@TheTilehurstEnd) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTilehurstEnd/status/677423644730068992">December 17, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Unless you're <a href="https://twitter.com/jonnafon">@jonnafon</a> he's not a happy bunny at Brian's return</p>
— The Tilehurst End (@TheTilehurstEnd) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTilehurstEnd/status/677424268070813696">December 17, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It will be good to see Brian McDermott back at <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC">@ReadingFC</a> hopefully bring back the good times </p>
— Ian Harte (@ianharte23) <a href="https://twitter.com/ianharte23/status/677436499135213573">December 17, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Brian McDermott has just arrived at the Mad Stad <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a></p>
— Jonny Fordham (@SunJonnyFordham) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunJonnyFordham/status/677468521463459840">December 17, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Madejski: “We’ve made a monumental signing. I’m delighted that Brian McDermott has signed a new 2 1/2 year deal.” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a></p>
— Jonny Fordham (@SunJonnyFordham) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunJonnyFordham/status/677488262345265154">December 17, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Madejski: “We’ve made a monumental signing. I’m delighted that Brian McDermott has signed a new 2 1/2 year deal.” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a></p>
— Jonny Fordham (@SunJonnyFordham) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunJonnyFordham/status/677488262345265154">December 17, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Madejski: "Let’s finish off the work you have started.” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a></p>
— Jonny Fordham (@SunJonnyFordham) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunJonnyFordham/status/677488376191258624">December 17, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sir John Madejski: "I'm proud we've got Brian back. It's the best Christmas present any of us could have had."</p>
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/677489552236421120">December 17, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">McDermott rang Eddie How about going back to his old club <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/afcb?src=hash">#afcb</a></p>
— Jonny Fordham (@SunJonnyFordham) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunJonnyFordham/status/677489728862732290">December 17, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Brian McDermott confirms that Terry Burton will join the backroom team at Reading FC.</p>
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/677490899274870784">December 17, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a> <a href="https://t.co/nDjKPCEBxj">pic.twitter.com/nDjKPCEBxj</a></p>
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) <a href="https://twitter.com/charles_watts/status/677493441064996864">December 17, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Noticeable how many times Brian said the word 'together' during his press conference. It's vital he brings unity back to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a>.</p>
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) <a href="https://twitter.com/charles_watts/status/677523004981669888">December 17, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<h4>Let's finish off with a couple of Mourinho jokes. Because why not?</h4>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wow! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a> were lucky to secure Brian McDermott before the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chelsea?src=hash">#Chelsea</a> vacancy came up!</p>
— Jon Keen (@urzz1871) <a href="https://twitter.com/urzz1871/status/677502753812455424">December 17, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sorry Jose, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReadingFC?src=hash">#ReadingFC</a> managers position is already taken.</p>
— Dan Holloway (@RFCdan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RFCdan/status/677513422590844928">December 17, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<h3>That's your lot.</h3>
<p>Until next time.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/12/18/10299454/reading-fc-tweets-of-the-week-brian-mcdermott-returns-as-manager-twitterRoyal Hoops2015-12-17T20:02:36+00:002015-12-17T20:02:36+00:00McDermott: "It Feels Right"
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<figcaption>Mike Hewitt/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading finally have a new manager, and it's an old face. Check out what he had to say about the appointment. </p> <p>Brian McDermott today was named as our new manager after a tough couple of weeks since the departure of Steve Clarke. We all know everything that McDermott did for us the first time round and I for one, am absolutely delighted to see him return three years after he left.</p>
<p>McDermott has signed a two and a half year contract and said at <a href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/all-about/reading-fc" target="_blank"></a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/readingfc">today's </a>news conference, "My gut feel was really important for coming back. It just felt right and I'll do everything I can to be successful. Each and everyone of us have got to do the best we can. We'll leave no stone unturned. This league is all about momentum. If you can get a result on Saturday, you can roll on and get one Tuesday."</p>
<p>The one thing that I remembered from McDermott the first time round was that he only thinks forward to the next game, and that hasn't changed, "I'm thinking about Blackburn - I've always has the philosophy of looking at one game at a time, and that won't change."</p>
<p>He continued to say on <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk" target="_blank">Reading FC </a>Player, "It feels right and I hope it is right for everybody. Obviously I had conversation with owners, chairman and so on so I hope it'll be a nice fit. If it didn't feel right I wouldn't have done it. It's been a year and a bit since I left Leeds. I've been working at Arsenal, and I am very thankful to them."</p>
<p>Co-Chairman Sir John Madejski said: "I'm absolutely delighted to welcome Brian back. He was able to win us promotion to the Premier League before and now it is his mission to do it again. I've always enjoyed working with Brian, he is a great manager and I wish him every success for the future."</p>
<p>Nigel Howe also added: "With a connection to the club that extends back more than 15 years, Brian has an affinity with Reading, the town, its people, the fans and their football team. His reputation within football is of the highest order and we are delighted to have him on board again. We wish him the very best of luck."</p>
<p>The decision for McDermott to come back into football was not a difficult one and he is looking forward to the challenge that is ahead, McDermott said: "It wasn't a tough call to come back into management. I want everyone at the club to work together. It's about all of us. It's about trying to win games of football.</p>
<p>"It was important I felt a structure was in place to take the club forward. I always felt my appointment was going to happen. I am very grateful for the opportunity."</p>
<p>There are plenty of new faces that McDermott will be meeting over the next few days as heads turn to his first fixture against Blackburn on Sunday, he added: "I was picking a Blackburn team at 1am this morning. We focus on one game at a time and that won't change. There's a talent in the group, it's a good squad of players. We need to get momentum, that's what this league is all about."</p>
<p>As mentioned, McDermott's first game back is at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday, so make sure you give him a well-deserved reception.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/12/17/10424512/mcdermott-it-feels-right-reading-fcsophierfc102015-12-17T14:26:17+00:002015-12-17T14:26:17+00:00Brian McDermott: Magic Move Or Mega Mistake?
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<figcaption>Christopher Lee/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Brian McDermott's return as Reading manager is one that's caused plenty of debate among the fanbase - here Wimb & Jonny make the case for and against the appointment.</p> <h3>Magic Move - Wimb</h3>
<p>If you had a set of nameless CV's in front of you and one you came across had a play-off final, Championship win, two FA Cup quarter-finals and a Premier League Manager of the Month award on it, you'd probably be picking up the phone and sweeping the rest in the bin.</p>
<p>Brian McDermott's Championship record at Reading speaks for itself - quite simply he's had a successful season in each of the three years he's managed us in the second tier and that's even with a squad that got progressively worse with each passing season. Gyfli Sigurdsson, Matt Mills and Shane Long were sold for around £17m and his total spend during three seasons in the Championship? Somewhere around the £2m mark.</p>
<p>To get a team containing players like Jay Tabb, Shaun Cummings, Ian Harte, Noel Hunt & Jobi McAnuff to finish above West Ham and Southampton was a phenomenal achievement and if he could earn such results with such limited resources, why should he not do even better with more money at his disposal?</p>
<p>Brian was far from flawless during his first spell here but few managers are, especially when they're given peanuts to try and compete in the toughest division in world football. Given what we know now about Anton Zingarevich's lack of finances, is it any surprise we got relegated? As both Nigel Adkins & Steve Clarke have shown, the squad was in a desperate need of a refresh but lacking the funds to do so.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">if he could earn such results with such limited resources, why should he not do even better with more money at his disposal?</div>
<p><a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2013/3/12/4095072/the-downfall-of-brian-mcdermott">Sure Brian's style and selections baffled us at times,</a> perhaps he was overly loyal to players or stubborn at changing his ways but you can't fault a guy for going back to a strategy that had been so successful before. Even the great Steve Coppell went through the same failings eventually. He's been away from the club for nearly three years and has no doubt learned a hell of a lot not only from his failings at Reading & Leeds but also by working for one of the most consistent clubs in Europe, Arsenal.</p>
<p>I know many were far from happy at the style Reading played under McDermott but to that I'll point you to <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xd4w3n_reading-6-0-peterborough-17-04-10_sport">some magnificent displays during the spring of 2010</a> and to a lesser extent 2011. When Brian had quality players like Sigurdsson & Long available he played to their strengths, leading to both positive results & positive football. When the quality of players gave way to relying on heart and grit, he did what he had to do. Now he's back at a club looking to build rather than patch up a slowly fading squad and he deserves the chance to show he can play that type of football once again.</p>
<p>Above all that, he's whole heatedly a Reading man. This isn't a bloke using the club as a stepping stone, or a man who has no idea of the cultures and traditions of Reading Football Club. He knows the Madejski crowd, he knows many of the staff and most importantly he knows how to get us out of this division.</p>
<p>So if you're worried about a Premier League Reading under Brian McDermott, sit back and enjoy us trying to get there first.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<h3>Mega Mistake - Jonny</h3>
<p><i>"Absence makes the heart grow fonder."</i></p>
<p>That's certainly the case with Brian McDermott, whose time at Reading was ultimately ended by a feeling that he was too loyal to his players and - perhaps - out of his depth. Nigel Adkins couldn't save the Royals, but nor could McDermott, who typified "the Reading way" perhaps better than any other manager in our history. The players he had at his disposal in that promotion-winning campaign certainly weren't world-beaters, but they were underdogs who felt they had a point to prove in overcoming the odds and winning promotion.</p>
<p>But players change. Owners change. Fans change. Times change.</p>
<p>This team is no longer a group of players with a chip on their shoulder. This is a squad that we, as fans, believe is capable of promotion; after all, we were all on board the bandwagon during that amazing run earlier this campaign under Steve Clarke. This is a squad filled with flair, with trickery, with individuality that is nothing like what we saw from that 2011/12 side. There's no Jem Karacan or Mikele Leigertwood in this midfield (Stephen Quinn comes close, but is far from the midfield harrier that Karacan became). There's no Jason Roberts or Noel Hunt up front. There's no Jobi McAnuff chasing on the wing. This is a side that, largely, has been there and done it, and if not, are looking for the dream of the Premier League either here or elsewhere. This is not a side that's content to bubble under. This is not a side that fits "the Reading way". Players change.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">'Players change. Owners change. Fans change. Times change.'</div>
<p>As Jon Keen <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2013/3/12/4092436/is-winning-all-that-matters-the-day-the-reading-way-died?_ga=1.125813258.100044484.1438199904" style="background-color: #ffffff;">wrote on the day McDermott was sacked</a>, perhaps "the Reading way" died once John Madejski relinquished his powers and sold the club to new owners. It might not be the same person in charge now, but the Thais' grand plans for the club, the stadium and the town certainly do not fit the previous modus operandi of Reading Football Club. Like it or not, this isn't little old Reading any more; this is a club that is looking to the lights of the Premier League and hoping to one day establish itself in the top flight for years to come. Brian McDermott, like it or not, isn't a glamorous appointment, and though the fans will have an affinity towards the returning knight, it's the decision in the boardroom that counts most. Owners change.</p>
<p>Perhaps McDermott helped kill "the Reading way" himself with his tactical decisions during those fateful last few games. <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2013/3/12/4095072/the-downfall-of-brian-mcdermott?_ga=1.125813258.100044484.1438199904">The fans started to turn on players</a>, jeer them mercilessly until they were taken off; ultimately, the crowd was affecting the manager's decisions. That has certainly continued over the last few years. Frustration at the demise over the last few years is one reason, for sure - the fall from grace so quickly has been galling. But this situation is far different from the one he walked into five years ago. It's a "safe" appointment, a steady hand who's proven himself at this club once. But will he be afforded the same patience if the Royals keep failing in the league? Let's not forget, after all, it was McDermott's heroics in the FA Cup which led to him getting the job full time. A full-time contract was awarded after five games without a League win. That wasn't enough credit in the bank for Steve Clarke, despite his historic achievement. Fans change.</p>
<p>"The Reading Way" has changed significantly since McDermott was last at the Madejski, and times change. Past success or perceived harsh treatment should count for nothing, because the massive shift everywhere in the club means this is a completely different situation. The players, the fans and the owners all expect to win - a totally alien scenario to anything he's experienced anywhere else. That's not to say he won't be successful, but it isn't by any means an inspirational appointment, or one which instantly announces Reading to the world. We don't owe Brian anything, and he doesn't owe us anything. Times change.</p>
<p>"The Reading Way" is dead, and the appointment of Brian McDermott signals a return to those days of being the underdog. We're that no longer. Deep down, we're desperate for more.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><i>So that's how we see it but how do you see the appointment? Let us know in the comments below.</i></p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015-16-analysis-opinion/2015/12/17/10385198/brian-mcdermott-magic-move-or-mega-mistakeWimbjonnafon2015-12-17T14:07:34+00:002015-12-17T14:07:34+00:00CONFIRMED: McDermott Appointed Reading Manager
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading have confirmed Brian McDermott as the club's new manager, replacing Steve Clarke who was sacked earlier this month. </p> <p>He's back!</p>
<p>Less than three years after being shown the door by Anton Zingarevich, Brian McDermott has returned for a second spell in charge of Reading. McDermott has signed a two and a half-year deal.</p>
<p>During his first spell in charge the club reached a play-off final, two FA Cup Quarter-Finals and took the Championship title but things turned sour in the top division and McDermott paid for the club's struggles with his job as relegation was all but confirmed with a home defeat to Aston Villa in March 2013.</p>
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<a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2013/3/12/4095072/the-downfall-of-brian-mcdermott">
<h2>TTE Archive: The Downfall Of Brian McDermott</h2>
<img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f8VvH2njro8N9bwPdkZfa_0LNZQ=/0x15:476x332/709x473/filters:format(webp)/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9588763/gyi0063921962.0.jpg"> </a> <span>Find out how Wimb viewed McDermott's first spell in charge, written back in 2013.</span>
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<p>He quickly got back into management with Leeds but as with just about any manager walking into Elland Road, his tenure was a brief and turbulent one. Since then he's been back working with old club Arsenal as a scout while also doing the odd bit of media.</p>
<p>Now he's back in the hot seat and while his appointment may not please every fan, it gives us something to rally around at a time when the club's fortunes on the pitch have been fairly miserable.</p>
<p>So welcome back Brian!</p>
<p><b>We'll have plenty more opinion and analysis on his appointment in the coming hours and days here on The Tilehurst End.</b></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/12/17/10293666/confirmed-mcdermott-appointed-reading-fc-managerThe Tilehurst End News Desk