Iconic former Reading manager Brian McDermott is "really optimistic" after a summer of transition in Berkshire.

McDermott was involved with the Royals for more than a decade, including two stints in charge of the first team and becoming the second man to take the club into the top-flight.

Last involved in 2016, McDermott came back in May to take charge of one of the teams in the 150th anniversary legends match.

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Just two months ago, the 61-year-old said: "Reading isn’t building anything at the moment. They’re just picking teams. You have to be building toward something. There has to be a structure in place off of the pitch and that’s the key. There has to be a structure that the fans can recognise where they look at it and see what they’re doing."

However, in the space of six short weeks the club have made backroom changes including the introduction of Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, and Director of Recruitment Brian Carey.

Speaking exclusively to the Reading Chronicle, McDermott believes things are much more positive in RG2.

 

"I think what they’ve done and how they’ve gone about things has been fab," he started. "I’m really optimistic. The supporters know the club is under an embargo but look at the characters and people that they’ve brought to the club- and that will be the number one thing they would’ve talked about, what kind of characters they are. With Shane, we all know what kind of character he is and that he is loved at Reading, and every club he’s ever been at. Jeff Hendrick, really good character. Sam Hutchinson, really good character. They are top people, and it’s all about people.

"I know Brian Carey really well, he’s a really good guy. Mark Bowen has come in and is doing what he’s doing, Paul Ince, these are all football people. I’m excited for the future, I really am. I think with the way the club is now structured; supporters know what is going on and that is key. They’ll go with that and back these players- I’m convinced about it."

One decision in particular which has gone down well with the fanbase, and McDermott, is the re-signing of legend Shane Long.

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The Republic of Ireland international played over 200 times for the club from 2005-2011, moving in with McDermott when he first arrived in England.

Signing a one year contract after more than a decade of rumours linking him to a return, McDermott believes it's a good piece of business.

"I spoke to him yesterday and he’s really pleased," he said. "I’m delighted for him, delighted for the supporters, delighted for the manager, Mark [Bowen], Brian [Carey]. They’ve all done their work and there’s a real good feel-good factor. They’re doing some really good work there at the minute. I know he’s really excited.

"I know how important Reading has been for Shane over the years and he has always kept an eye on the results. I’m delighted for him, his family, and the supporters.

"He was loved here, and he has so much in the locker. He’s still as quick as he ever was, and he can still jump as high as he ever could. He just needs a few games and whatever happens people will be on his side and want him to do well. I’m convinced they’ll be able to relate to these players that the recruiters have brought in.

"You’ve got to remember the Tom Holmes and Tom McIntyre’s of this world; they will remember Shane as Reading boys and will love to play with him. The most important thing is I get a feel that these boys will fight for each other, and that’s what we need."