New Leeds boss McDermott has point to prove

LONDON (AFP) –

Brian McDermott at an English FA Cup match between Manchester United and Reading in Manchester on February 18, 2013. The former Reading manager McDermott, now charged with reviving the fortunes of once-mighty Leeds United, goes into his new job with a point to prove.

Brian McDermott, the manager charged with reviving the fortunes of once-mighty Leeds United, goes into his new job with a point to prove.

McDermott, 52, was appointed by the so-called “sleeping giants” of English football, now languishing in the lower half of the second tier Championship, on Friday night.

And he quickly got down to his task, insisting he was ready to get “right amongst it today” and prove to Premiership strugglers Reading they were wrong to sack him last month.

After signing a three-year deal to take over from Neil Warnock, McDermott was preparing for an immediate taste of the action as he leads his new charges against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

McDermott, shown the door at Reading after 12 years with the club in various positions, was considered unlucky to fall on his sword after winning the Championship title last season on a slim budget.

Asked if he was keen to show they had made the wrong decision, he said: “The answer is yes. I have proved a point many times but you have a manager who is very hungry.

“My assistant (Nigel Gibbs) and I feel we have a point to prove, but we all do. We are at a big club in a fantastic stadium.”

Off the field, Leeds remain the subject of a confusing takeover bid meaning McDermott has little idea of who or what at he will be working with.

“The question about money available will be answered, I don’t know the answer and have come here on a lot of good will,” he added.

“I want to take this club forward, but no one person can do that on his own. Everyone has to be going in the same direction.”

Leeds spoke to McDermott immediately after Warnock left, initially with a view to him taking the job in the summer.

Their position just above the drop zone has made them rethink, though, with McDermott claiming Leeds were the only club who could have tempted him back into the dugout so soon.