Madejski: Brian’s future is Anton’s decision

Reading chairman Sir John Madejski was urged the Royals faithful to back under-fire boss Brian McDermott.

The Berkshire side are second-bottom in the Premier League and are six points from safety, with reports stating that a loss to Sunderland tomorrow and the former Slough Town manager could be out of the job. However, Madejski has said McDermott is still doing a fantastic job, but the decision on his future is not down to him.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Madejski said: ‘It is totally absurd that the manager will not be with us this time next week. In my humble opinion it’s not going to happen. We have to remember the amazing achievement, on a limited budget, to get us into the Premier League. I think Brian is doing the most amazing job.’

‘It is Anton’s decision as he owns the club, but he has a great loyalty to Brian. I am getting fed up with this carping about the manager & this ghastly sort of merry-go-round of managers leaving. If you notice the results, none have been overwhelming defeats. They have been near misses most of the time, we are punching way above our level.’

The crucial detail in that, is that the decision is down to Zingarevich and not Madejski. At the end of the day, despite his apparent loyalty to McDermott, Anton wants the club to progress. When money is involved, head has to go before heart and McDermott’s days could be numbered with defeat to Sunderland tomorrow.