McDermott: Royals bond stronger than ever

Anthony Smith • Published 9 Nov 2012 12:30 1 Comment

BRIAN McDermott insists relations between himself and Reading owner Anton Zingarevich remain as strong as ever.

Royals boss is under pressure to deliver the club's first win of the Premier League season going into tomorrow's critical home game against Norwich City (3pm ko).

McDermott's team selections have also come under scrutiny, with the likes of Player of the Year Alex Pearce sitting on the bench and injured marquee signing Danny Guthrie still to find a settled position.

Zingarevich called a meeting with McDermott last week to discuss the team's poor start, though the Reading manager has stressed the pair are very much united.

Speaking exclusively to the Reading Chronicle, McDermott said: "I meet Anton regularly and he knows these players are giving everything they have got in every single game. We're all trying our very best in what is an extremely tough league.

"Anton bought this club in January. We went from nowhere to becoming the champions of the division in what was an extraordinary period for us.

"Now we're playing in the Premier League in front of full houses every week and against some of the biggest football clubs in the world."

Royals are in the relegation zone and four points from safety, albeit with a game in hand.

And McDermott stressed: "Admittedly, there have been some frustrating games at the Madejski Stadium this season, but I'm positive it won't be long before we start picking up these wins.

"Unfortunately, in this league individual errors cost you and that is always the difference.

"If we can cut those errors out then we will start to win games, it's as simple as that.

"I've had periods of drawing games during my time at Reading so I know what I'm talking about, I know we're really close."

Zingarevich bought a majority stake in Reading for £25 million earlier this year and has seen his investment rocket after McDermott guided the team to the Championship title last season.

However, Reading's budget is one of the smallest in the Premier League and McDermott spent the least amount of transfer money of all the top-flight managers over the summer.

Nevertheless, Zingarevich says he is right behind his manager.

"Everyone at the club is going in the same direction, the fans, Brian, players and staff," declared the 30-year-old Russian businessman recently.

"Performances are good, the players are giving everything. We've been unlucky in some games and in pretty much every match we could have gained a result, it's all positive.

"Brian already knows that he, the staff and players have everyone's total support.

"We are all so together, with the supporters alongside us in what we are trying to achieve. We have total understanding, total unity as one club."

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This article appeared in Bracknell News 09 Nov 12

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