Reading promotion meant to be, says Brian McDermott

Brian McDermott says promotion was "meant to be" for Reading after they returned to the Premier League following a four-year absence.

The Royals were beaten in last season's Championship play-off final, but sealed automatic promotion this term with a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

"It's an exciting time and a great night for the club," said McDermott.

"I couldn't see too much good in losing that play-off final at Wembley last year, but perhaps this is meant to be."

Reading, who are set to be taken over by Anton Zingarevich's Thames Sport Investment group, were 16th in the Championship at the start of November, but rallied to climb the table after Christmas, winning 15 of their last 17 league games.

Swansea won the play-off final 4-2 in May 2011 and McDermott added: "Losing at Wembley took me a couple of months to get over, but this makes it all worthwhile.

"It tests your resolve and it shows you what you are about as people.

"Since the seventh game of the season we've been the best team in this division by a long, long way.

"It's difficult to enjoy yourself as a manager but I can do tonight."

Reading chairman Sir John Madejski dedicated the promotion to McDermott, who joined the Royals as chief scout in 2000 and took over as manager following the departure of Brendan Rodgers in 2009.

Madejski told BBC Radio 5 live: "Brian has been here for 12 years and he knows the squad inside out.

McDermott says promotion was "meant to be"

"He's a first-class gentleman and a first-class pro. He's honed the team in the right way and that's why we are where we are today.

"He's going to go far and I hope it's with Reading. He's earned his spurs, he's the best manager you could ever want.

"There's no showing off - he's just a thoroughly nice human being. The more people in the world who are like Brian McDermott, the better."

Striker Jason Roberts joined the Royals from Blackburn in January, scoring six goals in 15 games since arriving at the Madejski Stadium.

He said: "I'm 34 years old and may never get an opportunity like this again, so it's an absolute pleasure.

"We've got a team here that is full of proper people. Some of these players haven't played Premier League football, so this gives a lot of them the chance to show what they can do at that level."