McDermott has served as Arsenal’s chief international scout, but also had management spells with Reading (twice) and Leeds United. Here are 15 players who played under him as a manager, including a former Hearts legend, former Manchester United and Rangers defenders, a Champions League semi-finalist and an ex-Dundee United player who linked up with him more than once.
13. Zurab Khizanishvili
The former Rangers and Dundee defender was brought to Reading by McDermott on loan from Blackburn from January 2010 and remained until the summer of 2011 Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos
14. Chris Gunter
The Wales international right-back was signed for Reading from Nottingham Forrest on a three-year deal by McDermott in July 2012. The fee was reported to have been between £2.3 million and £2.5 million. Photo: Jordan Mansfield
15. Scott Wootton
McDermott brought the central defender for Leeds United from Manchester United for more than £1 million in 2013. He was released after three seasons Photo: Shaun Botterill