GFH right to bring Brian McDermott in as next Leeds United manager

By James Grayson (Twitter - @jamesAgrayson)

After the departure of Neil Warnock, there was no rush to appoint a replacement. But, the 2-1 defeat at Charlton Athletic last Saturday obviously triggered alarm bells in GFH’s heads.

The Whites are five points above the Championship relegation zone. While the situation is not desperate yet, it is concerning because Leeds are playing like a team that doesn’t look like winning a match.

Leeds have two crucial home games coming up – Sheffield Wednesday visit Elland Road on Saturday and then Burnley arrive on Tuesday night. United have to get something from both games.

With Brian McDermott set to be confirmed as the Leeds manager tomorrow (Friday), it does give everyone a huge boost.

Although the timing of the appointment, considering GFH claimed they were in no rush when Warnock left, does smell of a panic decision. However, it is the right type of long-term appointment and in the short-term, it brings stability back instantly. So GFH cannot be criticised.

McDermott has the pedigree of taking a team to the Premier League so he fits the bill. But in the short term he has to lead Leeds to safety before planning for the Premier League can be even thought about. Hopefully he can galvanise the dressing room to finish the job.

GFH should be applauded as well for reacting decisively to a potential disaster situation. They could have stuck with Neil Redfearn, but they saw the problem emerging and brought McDermott in.

McDermott must have also been given assurances over the long-term ambition of the owners and that there are funds available in the summer. That debate is for another day though – the priority is Championship survival and hopefully the new manager will ensure it.

And his first task is to revive a dressing room and get a winning team on the pitch and quickly – preferably on Saturday when the Owls visit.