In reality, do I now feel more or less worried about our game against them? I have to say it's more. Therefore in this fantastically simplified example, it was a good move by them.
I guess the 'new manager effect' can go one of two ways, especially with a divisive character like Di Canio. If he comes in and starts throwing his weight around like he did at Swindon I think he's going to have problems, at least in the short term before he can change personnel around. The Reading players are used to a much more sympathetic approach from McDermott and that has worked pretty well for them generally.
Sacking McDermott was a dumb move IMO, and a new manager will not be able to save them from their current position. It's a shame cos I quite liked what McDermott achieved at Reading and hope that they bounce back up next season.
I think they canned him as they could see they were going down under McDermott's stewardship so basically threw the dice as they have nothing to lose.....fair enough.
Interesting to see how this has been handled. It's been done in the usual terrible football-isn't-a-business way. Look how often an FTSE-100 company gets rid of someone without someone to stand in. Barring resignations, it simply doesn't happen. They know that continuity is important. Meanwhile football drifts along like this. Sack the manager then look for a replacement. That way, you restrict your pool of prospective managers to the small group of people who have previously been sacked in the same way and who happen to be available. Happened with QPR and now Reading. It's quite pitiful. Now, look at our last change of manager. The replacement was ready to go so there was no pause under a caretaker manager, no agreeing silly deals or terms (Yes, Harry, open cheque book it is if you'll come). Much more clinical; much more effective. Vin
And look at the stick Nicola got for being sensible and having a replacement. Mind you, big coincidence that di Canio was at Reading's last match.
I can't see how McDermott or any likely replacement can save them. I could be wrong though. Wouldn't be the first time! They're 13 points adrift of 36 points (which is usually a decent figure for survival). Of their nine remaining games, they face the following 4: Arsenal United City Liverpool Then the other five are... Home: Saints, QPR Away: Norwich, Fulham, West Ham If they can't upset the apple-cart against the big boys, they're going to need 13 or possibly more from the last 5 due to the 4 points they are currently adrift by. I just don't see it. I think really it's been left a bit late to get rid of McDermott and it's a bit odd. I guess they must be hoping for the benefit of a new manager having a n honeymoon period. However, I do not think there is the quality in that squad to stay up. Now we just need to make sure we beat them. It could hammer a huge nail into their coffin by then.
I'd say Reading are favourites to finish bottom right now. They look like they have less fight in them than QPR, Villa or Wigan. My only concern is that Le Fondre might earn them some more points on his own.
On Sky, they've cited 5 clubs who have sacked their managers at this stage of the season...all have gone on to be relegated, but presumably that is because they are in deep doo-dah to sack the manager in the first place. The board must think there is some chance of saving themselves (otherwise it makes no sense at all). I would be astonished if they got more than 3 wins in that run out.
If they appoint someone within the next few days, then I can't see it having any impact on our game against them. They could appoint SAF with Jose as his assistant, and they would still lose to Man Utd and Arsenal. Honeymoon period over before it has begun. But if our game is the new guy's first in charge, then I'd be a tad worried.
I just worry that it will be like the game last year where they parked the bus, soaked up all of substantial pressure, and then did a sucker punch three times. I felt like I'd been mugged
Poyet the latest to be linked: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2292286/Gus-Poyet-contention-Reading-job.html Wasn't there talk a while back of Zingarevich (owner) wanting to bring Dick Advocaat (a friend) in as manager?
