McDermott urges Reading to prioritise stability over play-off disappointment
Brian McDermott tells BBC Radio Berkshire that securing a strong position for next season is more critical than immediate promotion, citing late-game management as the key to future success.
Former Reading manager Brian McDermott has commended the institutional stability at the club, despite the team’s failure to secure a League One play-off spot. Reading concluded the season in 12th place, missing out on promotion for the second consecutive year. McDermott, who previously guided the Royals to the Premier League via a Championship title in 2012, acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the result but emphasised the significant progress made since the club faced serious difficulties a few years ago.
Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire, McDermott recognised the frustration felt by the current squad, manager Leam Richardson, and the wider staff. However, he argued that the current environment represents a marked improvement from the instability that characterised the club’s situation in recent history. "I would imagine that the team, manager and staff would be disappointed they didn't get in the play-offs and I understand that," he said. "Having said that, if you look at where the club was a couple of years ago, it was in real trouble. At least there is some stability there, which is great to see and that's the most important thing."
The club’s promotion ambitions were significantly hampered by late goals conceded in crucial matches towards the end of the campaign. Stoppage-time goals contributed to a defeat against Lincoln City and a draw at Huddersfield, factors that dented their momentum. Reading had enjoyed a strong run of form in April that briefly propelled them into the top six, but a collapse in their final five games, yielding just two points, ultimately saw them slip out of contention.
McDermott drew parallels between the current squad’s struggles and his own tenure, recalling how his previous side also suffered from late-game vulnerabilities. He noted that his team had previously conceded goals in the 87th and 88th minutes before implementing specific training drills focused on game management. He advised the current players to master the "ugly stuff" required to see games out, such as keeping possession, blocking shots, and clearing corners, rather than focusing on the prestige of the division they might be in during the summer.
Looking ahead, McDermott urged the club to adopt a pragmatic approach to their next campaign. With five players, including long-serving Yiadom, having departed the club, the focus must shift to securing results and building a strong position for another promotion attempt next season. He dismissed concerns about clubs being unprepared for the step up, arguing that the priority should be winning the next game and ensuring the squad is ready for the challenges of the Championship.
