Reading caretaker boss Dolan focused on Manchester United clash after 'difficult week'

Mar 14, 2013 1:10:00 PM

The Royals dismissed Brian McDermott, who led the club to the Championship title, on Monday and now face a visit to Old Trafford in their bid to secure Premier League survival

Reading caretaker manager Eamonn Dolan has admitted that the Royals have endured a "difficult week" ahead of their fixture against Manchester United on Saturday following the sacking of Brian McDermott.

McDermott was dismissed with the newly-promoted club struggling in 19th place in the Premier League ahead of the visit to Old Trafford.

Dolan admitted that his former colleague's departure had affected the club's players but refused to speculate on what lay ahead at the Madejski Stadium.

"It's been a difficult week for everybody," he told reporters. "The players were on the floor at the start of the week.

"The owner [Anton Zingarevich] has asked me to take the team on Saturday. That's my only thought. That's the honest answer."

Dolan denied reports suggesting that Zingarevich would select the team for Saturday's match in the absence of a permanent boss.

"Obviously not," he said. "He's asked me to pick the team. He's talked to me about the team and trying to get a result - genuinely that is all he has said.

"I'm excited about going to Old Trafford. Really excited about that."

The Irishman confirmed that he had spoken to McDermott, who led Reading to the Championship title, since his sacking on Monday.

"Brian is a great friend of mine," he added. "I've spoken to him each day. He's a great man. All he has said is: 'Good luck, get a result'. All he wants is for Reading to get a result."

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!