Brian McDermott set to return to Reading as manager
Brian McDermott is set to be appointed as the new manager of Championship side Reading, three years after being sacked by the club.
The 54-year-old, who led the Royals to promotion to the Premier League in 2012, will replace Steve Clarke.
McDermott spent over three years in charge, but left in March 2013 with the club in the top flight relegation zone.
He then spent 13 months in charge at Leeds United before taking up a scouting role with Arsenal last year.
The club has called a news conference for 14:00 GMT at the Madejski Stadium.
The Royals are currently 13th in the league, seven points outside the Championship play-off places after losing their last four matches, including Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Hull.
McDermott first joined Reading as chief scout during Alan Pardew's spell in charge in 2000, having previously managed non-league sides Slough and Woking.
Reading players hold McDermott aloft to toast promotion to the Premier League in 2012
He first took charge as caretaker manager in December 2009, replacing Brendan Rodgers, with the club languishing just above the Championship relegation zone.
The former Arsenal midfielder was given the job on a full-time basis a month later, before steering the Royals to a ninth-placed finish.
A year later, Reading lost out in the Championship play-off final to Rodgers' Swansea side, before gaining promotion to the top flight in 2012.
Ady Williams, former Reading captain and BSports Radio Berkshire sports presenter |
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| "Brian McDermott's record as a Reading manager is one of the best and he knows the Championship inside out. He has contacts in the very highest places, and his loyalty at the Madejski Stadium is unquestioned. I wish him well and hope he can turn things round quickly." |
Reading also enjoyed considerable cup success under McDermott, reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals in 2010 and 2011.
McDermott's first game back as Royals boss will be Sunday's visit of Blackburn.
Reading record under McDermott 2009-2013 | |
|---|---|
| Wins: 76 | First game: D 1-1 v Bristol City (a) |
| Draws: 44 | First win: W 2-1 v Liverpool AET (a) |
| Losses: 50 | Last match: L 2-1 v Aston Villa (h) |
