McDermott attempts to rally fans

Brian McDermott assured the fans he's doing all he can to ensure survival after Reading were jeered off after the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.

Last Updated: 10/03/13 at 13:19 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Premier League To Stay Up 12/13 To Stay Up: Reading 500/1

Reading: Beaten by Villa

Reading: Beaten by Villa

The home supporters voiced their growing concern after the Royals crashed to a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa which leaves them above last-placed QPR on goals scored only.

It was the second slip against a relegation rival in a fortnight after Wigan also left Berkshire with all the points in a 3-0 romp.

McDermott himself came under fire on Saturday when he was roundly booed midway through the second half after hauling off Noel Hunt and Hope Akpan for Nick Blackman and Garath McCleary.

The 51-year-old refused to criticise his detractors, however, when asked if he felt his own position was starting to be threatened by the growing disquiet.

"It's not about me it's about the club," he said. "I thought the fans were fantastic at the start of the game. The fans want to see their team win.

"We've had a lot of good days in the past three years. The past three weeks have been difficult. The fans just want to see the team win."

There has been little suggestion McDermott's place as coach is in jeopardy following a three-year reign that has been highlighted by last year's run to the npower Championship title.

But following a four-game losing run the Royals appear the most vulnerable of the bottom clubs to make an immediate return with nine games remaining.

Their fixture list is hardly friendly either with trips to Manchester United and Arsenal next up.

And while McDermott admitted his side were hurting after Saturday's defeat, when they had led through Nathan Baker's comical own goal, he refused to concede the stuffing had been knocked out of their survival bid.

"I don't feel that at all," he said. "Once March is out of the way - we play Manchester United away and Arsenal away - then we have seven games. We'll see where we are at the end of March and go from there.

"It won't be hard to pick ourselves up. You have a choice you either give up or you get back on and have a right go at it.

"That's what we've done. We'll pick ourselves up and move on quickly.

"It's not over until the middle of May."

The Royals missed a host of chances after half-time, with Hal Robson-Kanu the chief culprit, while Hunt had a goal ruled out 10 minutes after the break for a marginal offside call.

Villa, meanwhile, were far more clinical in their final third.

Christian Benteke equalised two minutes after Villa fell behind, netting his seventh goal in eight games, before Gabriel Agbonlahor thumped in the decisive goal in first-half injury-time.

The rally defied recent claims Villa have suffered a crisis of confidence as they hauled themselves three points clear of danger.

"They're not lacking in confidence. I've never sensed that," Lambert said.

"I don't know where that one has come from. Against Arsenal we played extremely well without getting a result and we gave Manchester City a right good game.

"There has been a lack of naivety at some points but I thought we deserved to win the game.

"Some of the football was excellent."

Agbonlahor typified Villa's attacking threat and deservedly won the match with his third goal in six games since returning from injury.

In an inexperienced Villa team the 26-year-old has been relied upon to provide the Premier League know-how and Lambert believes he is starting to deliver at the right time.

"Some of the performances he's turned in have been big, big performances," he said.

"His speed when Gabby gets a run on somebody there is not many that can catch him. It was good to see."

Bet with SkyBet  Premier League To Stay Up 12/13 To Stay Up: Reading 500/1

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

Jack Wilshere wants to captain Arsenal and England

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has revealed his long-term ambition is to captain both his club and country.

Lampard: Mourinho is the best

Frank Lampard has hailed former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho as "the best" ahead of an expected return to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Ferguson wins LMA Manager gong

Sir Alex Ferguson has been named the LMA's Premier League Manager of the Year, with Malky Mackay, Gary Johnson and Martin Allen also rewarded.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved