McDermott has served as Arsenal’s chief international scout, but also had management spells with Reading (twice) and Leeds United. Here are 15 players who played under him as a manager, including a former Hearts legend, former Manchester United and Rangers defenders, a Champions League semi-finalist and an ex-Dundee United player who linked up with him more than once.
. READING, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Reading manager Brian McDermott looks on ahead of the Sky Bet Championship match between Reading and Bristol City on January 2, 2016 in Reading, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)
Brian McDermott had two spells in charge of Reading Photo: Ben Hoskins
. Noel Hunt
The former Dundee United striker was signed by McDermott for Reading on a free transfer and was then signed by him again for Leeds United. The Irishman played 127 games under McDermott overall Photo: Ben Hoskins
. Ross McCormack
The former Rangers and Motherwell forward played more than 50 games for McDermott at Leeds in the EFL Championship, scoring a goal every other game Photo: Michael Regan
. Jobi McAnuff
Nobody has played more games for McDermott as a manger than the Jamaican international left winger, who made 149 appearances under him at Reading and scored 13 goals. Photo: Mark Thompson
. Marius Zaliukas
The former Hearts skipper, then 29, impressed McDermott on trial at Leeds United, who were in the EFL Championship at the time. He had been released by Hearts when they went into administration. McDermott signed him in November 2013 and the Lithuanian defender made a very impressive start at Elland Road. He went on to make 16 appearances before dropping out of the team after mistakes in a 6-0 defeat by Sheffield Wednesday. His contract was terminated in the summer of 2014, when he joined Rangers. Photo: Tony Marshall
. Shane Long
The Ireland international striker scored 34 goals in 79 games for McDermott at Reading Photo: Alex Livesey
. Hal Robson-Kanu
The Wales international striker scored 19 goals in more than 100 games under McDermott at Reading Photo: BEN STANSALL
9. Anton Ferdinand
Rio's brother was at Reading when McDermott returned for a second spell by replacing Steve Clarke as manager, but only played 12 games for him Photo: Martin Willetts
10. Michail Antonio
Now staring for West Ham in the Premier League, the Jamaican striker played 31 times under McDermott at Reading. Photo: Ben Hoskins
11. Andy Griffin
Former Newcastle right-back was signed for Reading by McDermott and stayed for three seasons Photo: Stu Forster
12. Luke Murphy
McDermott spent £1 million bringing the midfielder to Leeds United from Crew Alexandra and stayed at Ellan Road for five seasons Photo: Mike Hewitt