Brian McDermott: promotion hopes amid ownership turmoil
Brian McDermott managed Leeds United from April 2013 until May 2014. He arrived with a Championship title and Premier League promotion on his CV from Reading, but his spell at Elland Road became defined as much by uncertainty surrounding the club’s ownership as by results on the pitch.
Arrival after Neil Warnock
Leeds appointed McDermott on 12 April 2013, following the departure of Neil Warnock and a short caretaker spell by Neil Redfearn. At Reading, McDermott had won the 2011–12 Championship, earning promotion to the Premier League. Leeds hoped he could repeat that achievement.
He steadied the team in the closing weeks of 2012–13, and Leeds finished 13th. Expectations rose during the following season, with striker Ross McCormack providing many of the team’s goals.
The attempted dismissal of January 2014
McDermott’s tenure took an extraordinary turn on 31 January 2014, amid negotiations for Massimo Cellino’s takeover of the club. Reports emerged that McDermott had been dismissed, prompting protests from Leeds supporters. However, the club subsequently stated that he remained manager, and he returned to his duties.
During the confusion, assistant manager Nigel Gibbs oversaw Leeds’ remarkable 5–1 victory over Huddersfield Town on 1 February 2014. The episode became one of the most unusual managerial disputes in Leeds United’s modern history.
Results and departure
Leeds’ form deteriorated during the second half of 2013–14. Despite McCormack finishing as the Championship’s leading scorer, the club ended the campaign in 15th place, well short of the promotion challenge supporters had hoped for.
McDermott left Leeds by mutual consent in May 2014. His successor, Dave Hockaday, was appointed the following month.
Assessing his time at Leeds
McDermott’s appointment initially suggested a more settled direction for Leeds, but his managerial work unfolded against a backdrop of takeover uncertainty and inconsistent performances. His brief reinstatement after the attempted sacking remains the defining incident of his Elland Road tenure.