Reading sack Brian McDermott: Lunacy

As much confidence as newly promoted teams from the Championship have upon reaching the bright lights of the Premier League, there is but one goal that is of the greatest importance: staying up. Yes, we've seen the likes of Norwich and Swansea make huge splashes in the last year or so in the top flight, whether through becoming solid mid-table clubs or, in Swansea's case, winning the Capital One Cup, but we should not forget that such accomplishments are hardly the rule for Premier League newcomers. The drop is far more likely, regardless of the lofty heights Norwich and Swansea have reached.

For owners new to the gauntlet that is the Premier League, perhaps this harsh reality facing their clubs is a tough pill to swallow. For owners who are new to owning a club at all, the task of merely staying up is one that perhaps seems almost demeaning in nature and lacking in ambition. Such owners as those of the latter mentality can hardly be viewed as being in touch with reality.

With today's announcement of Brian McDermott being sacked by Reading, we now have every indication that Reading owner Anton Zingarevich, who only just bought the club last May, is one of the owners who could stand to learn a lesson or two about the economic and on-field realities of a club that has only just returned to the Premier League. It goes without saying that Reading have hardly spent their way to Premier League survival since winning the Championship last season, and indeed, Brian McDermott has had to fight on with a team that largely mirrors the one he had in the second division last season. That this Reading side has dared to admirably stand toe to toe with the best in England, week in and week out, and really give it a go speaks well of Brian McDermott's managerial acumen. Such acumen is hardly one of a manager deserving of his walking papers.

If I were a Reading fan, the timing of this inexplicable firing would be gravely concerning. With the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool upcoming, not to mention a pivotal match with fellow relegation candidates Southampton, an upheaval at the top hardly seems like the most reasonable thing to do with only a few crucial opportunities for points remaining. It's been a struggle for Reading this season, as it was always going to be, but the performances have been there on many occasions. The players have gone out and played their tails off for McDermott, but can another manager, who will have to gain some quick insight of his roster, come in on such short notice and steer a Championship-caliber squad to safety in the Premier League? I wouldn't be so sure.

Just as many of us were saying about Nigel Adkins earlier this season, McDermott deserved better than this. I have no doubt, however, that he'll be back on the touchline soon enough and finding success once again.