McDermott facing a red-hot opener

New Leeds boss Brian McDermott faces a tough baptism today as his side face a crucial Yorkshire derby against Sheffield Wednesday.

McDermott was unveiled as Leeds’ new boss last night. The 52-year-old was dismissed by Reading on March 11 but was not out of the game for long, signing a three-year deal at Elland Road yesterday. He replaces Neil Warnock at the npower Championship club, with the veteran boss having fallen on his sword last week after failing to deliver promotion.

McDermott, who won the division with Reading last year, was approached immediately by Leeds’ owners with the intention of taking over in the summer but, with United not safe from relegation, the former Arsenal midfielder has been brought in now.