Yes, you’ve read that right. Neil Moxley (The Sunday People) has revealed that the former Reading and Leeds manager Brian McDermott has joined Arsenal… as a Scout! It is understood that the 53-year-old has penned a three-year deal for the Gunners and his move will be confirmed in the next few days. McDermott will work within Arsenal’s scouting system under the watchful eye of Steve Rowley, Arsenal’s chief scout.
McDermott has been without a job since he was released by Leeds United in May, after a string of disagreements with controversial Leeds owner Massimo Cellino. McDermott was linked with a move back to the Championship, with Bolton Wanderers reportedly interested, but has seemingly decided to put his managerial career on hold and return to the club where he started as a player.
In January 1977 McDermott joined Arsenal as an apprentice, playing as a Forward for the Arsenal Reserves, eager to impress then Arsenal boss Terry Neill. In February 1979 he signed a professional contract with Arsenal. He made 72 appearances between 1977-1984, scoring 13 goals. Although he admits that his time at Arsenal was tough, he has spoken publicly about his admiration for Arsenal and manager Arsène Wenger. In an interview with the London Evening Standard in May 2012, Brian McDermott said: “I’d have loved to have played under Arsène Wenger. The club are run the right way, they play really good football. I’ve got the utmost respect for Wenger and the Arsenal crowd.”
The reaction to McDermott’s move to Arsenal has been relatively positive and hopefully he will be a useful addition to the Arsenal back-room staff. Let’s just hope that Arsenal’s next signing isn’t Noel Hunt!