Reading FC eye Poyet and Adkins
Anthony Smith • Published 14 Mar 2013 16:30
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GUS Poyet and Nigel Adkins have emerged as front runners as Reading FC step up their search for a new manager.
The Reading Chronicle understands Royals see Brighton boss Poyet and former Southampton chief Adkins as the men to replace Brian McDermott.
McDermott was sacked on Monday after four successive Premier League defeats left Reading marooned in the relegation zone and four points from safety.
Ex-Swindon Town manager Paolo Di Canio was the early favourite with the bookmakers after the flamboyant Italian was spotted at the Madejski Stadium last Saturday watching Reading's 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa.
However, sources at the Mad Stad suggest Reading FC owner Anton Zingarevich isn't keen and wants to look elsewhere.
Adkins was controversially sacked by Saints in mid-January and replaced by former Espanyol manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The 48-year-old has been out of work since, though it is believed he remains on the Saints' payroll which could prove a stumbling block.
Brighton & Hove Albion will almost certainly command a fee for Poyet, with the Seagulls just outside the Championship play-offs.
That could put off Zingarevich, who agreed a six-figure compensation settlement with McDermott this week.
Other candidates in the frame to take over the Royals hotseat include ex-Reading skipper Phil Parkinson, Alan Curbishley, Mark Hughes and PSV Eindhoven coach Dick Advocaat.
However, the Chronicle has also learned Reading Academy director Eamonn Dolan is in the running having been placed in temporary charge.
Dolan faces the massive task of leading Reading out at Old Trafford this Saturday for their mouthwatering clash with Manchester United.
And Royals skipper Jobi McAnuff says the 45-year-old former Exeter City manager has the full backing of the dressing room.
"Eamonn and I spoke at length and I would like to wish him the best of luck and emphasise that he has the full support of the players as we concentrate on Saturday's game," McAnuff said.
"He is very well known by the boys and has obviously worked wonders in our Academy with so many players coming through.
"All of the young lads speak very highly of him. Preparing for Manchester United will not faze him in any way.
"He has been an integral part of the club's success over a number of years and we will all pull together for him.
"One thing we pride ourselves on here at Reading is unity and Eamonn will no doubt focus on that moving forward together
"We have nine games to go and with our supporters alongside us we will give it a real shot, starting on Saturday."
Reading's players were told of McDermott's departure via text message, though Zingarevich did address the squad at their Hogwood Park training ground on Tuesday.
"The whole squad met as one on Tuesday and Anton should be given credit for standing up in front of us and talking us through his decision," explained McAnuff.
"It was clear to see it was a very tough decision, but one he feels is best for the club in our fight against relegation.
"As players we fully respect his decision and will now concentrate on the remainder of the season and try to maintain our Premier League status."
** READ Maurice O'Brien's tribute to Brian McDermott on page 14 of today's Reading Chronicle.
Plus seven pages of Reading FC news, opinion and fans' comments **
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