Royals owner still backing McDermott

Reading's owner Anton Zingarevich has told Brian McDermott he has still got his full backing, despite five successive losses.

The talk around Reading Football Club has been concerning the manager McDermott, who is reportedly under pressure following five successive losses in the Premier League. However, Brian has said the Russian tycoon is still backing him and they are set to discuss the January transfer budget this weekend.

Speaking to the Reading Chronicle, McDermott said: 'Anton sent me a fantastic text on Tuesday and he said he understood exactly the situation we are in and I appreciate that support. Yes, this is a big challenge for us. We haven't had the rub of the green and we are down to the bare bones with injuries.'

'I think Anton is leaning more and more about this division. We know where we are in the pecking order, we've just got to keep going. I think last summer we needed to bring in a bit more than what we did. My gut feeling is we need Premier League players who have done it at this level. We will do our best to find them.'

The relationship between Anton and Brian does appear to be a strong one, but how far can he be pushed until making a change? Zingarevich's father Boris also reportedly has a say in matters and I wouldn't be too impressed with my investment if I was him! If Brian is going to be in charge come January, I hope he has a more successful transfer window.

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