Midfielder felt McDermott ‘held him back’

Another player has come out to hint at their annoyance with Brian McDermott’s style of play, conveniently, it’s a midfielder again!

Danny Guthrie slated the current Leeds manager a few weeks ago, arguing he was not used to his strengths. Next to come out and voice their frustrations is Royals midfielder Jem Karacan, who echoed similar comments and felt he didn’t exploit him enough, but feels his game is being used more productively under Nigel Adkins.

Speaking to the Reading Post, Jem said: “Sometimes I felt a little bit held back. I`m lucky to have a natural energy but I`ve always wanted to be the guy who`s on the ball and take the game by the scruff of its neck. The gaffer has come in and helped me get my confidence back in terms of being a passing player.’

‘I think towards the end of last season that showed more and more. I think that`s massively helping my game and helping me improve as a player. The gaffer has given me a license and I`m loving every single minute of it and I`m positive about the coming year.”

If you looked at our squad last season, the strongest part of it was probably the midfield, but his McDermott tactical naivety meant it was really neglected. Jem and Danny formed a great partnership under Adkins, but both failed to impress under McDermott – not a coincidence I’m afraid!