Former Leeds United boss Brian McDermott back with Reading for second spell

The 54-year-old signed a two-and-a-half-year contract on Thursday to replace Steve Clarke at the Royals’ helm, less than three years after being sacked by the club.

McDermott had guided Reading into the Premier League and was awarded the manager of the month award in February 2013 – only to be fired by then owner Anton Zingarevich 33 days later.

Reading were relegated that year and McDermott – who went on to spend just over a year at troubled Leeds United – now takes charge of a side 13th in the Championship.

While general consensus suggests you can never enjoy a return to former glories, the former Whites boss said he had spoken to Howe – who has taken Bournemouth into the Premier League after going back to the south coast following a short stint at Burnley.

“I rang Eddie Howe about that,” he said when asked about never going back to an old job.

“Look what has happened with Eddie last year – he won the league. If it didn’t feel right, you don’t come back for sentimental reasons, it’s professional and felt like the right thing to do.”

Co-chairman John Madejski said McDermott’s return was the best Christmas gift he could have hoped for and said he has the backing of everyone on the board.

“Brian knows the club intrinsically well, he’s been with the club a heck of a long time,” said Madejski.

“We’ve made a monumental signing. I’m delighted that Brian McDermott has signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal.

“I think he has all the credentials and the total, unanimous support of the whole board, they are pleased he is here and that makes all the difference.

“We are very proud of getting him back – it’s the best Christmas present we could have had.”

McDermott announced former Wimbledon boss Terry Burton will be his new assistant at the club, with his first game back coming at home to Blackburn on Sunday.