Reading to appoint Brian McDermott despite Stubbs interest

READING are set to hand former boss Brian McDermott a stunning return to the Madejski Stadium just three years after being fired by previous owner Anton Zingarevich.

Brian McDermott is set to return to Reading as manager. Picture: Getty Images

McDermott is currently working as a scout for former club Arsenal, with whom he made 61 appearances and scored 12 goals.

But he could be set to seal a dramatic return to the Royals, replacing Steve Clarke who was sacked earlier this week.

The 54-year-old had a 13-month spell managing Leeds United, and joined the Gunners’ scouting set-up last year.

Alan Stubbs had been named as a potential successor to Steve Clarke. Picture: PA

Reading had also been linked with an approach for Hibs boss Alan Stubbs, who said there had been no contact from the Royals.

Stubbs admitted that he did want to manage ‘at the highest level’ but insisted that he had ‘unfinished business’ at Easter Road.

McDermott, who had spells managing Slough Town and Woking before nearly ten years as chief scout and reserve team coach at Reading, had a 44.97 per cent win rate at the Madejski Stadium during his first stint.

From 169 matches, McDermott led Reading to 76 wins, 43 draws and 50 losses, including an incredible 7-5 cup defeat to Arsenal after Reading had been 4-0 up after 35 minutes.