Eamonn Dolan plays down owner influence

[Folami David]

Reading caretaker manager Eamonn Dolan has hit back at claims the Premier League club's owner Anton Zingarevich could select the team for Saturday's clash with Manchester United.
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Dolan was placed in temporary charge of the Royals on Monday after Zingarevich sacked boss Brian McDermott in a bid to revive the team's fading hopes of preserving their top-flight status.
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Reading are four points from safety following last weekend's home defeat against fellow strugglers Aston Villa and they face a daunting trip to Old Trafford to face league leaders United in Dolan's first match.
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Zingarevich's decision to turn to Dolan, who had worked as the club's academy director for the past eight years, prompted suggestions he would only be a puppet for the Russian owner.
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But Dolan, 45, attempted to allay fears of boardroom interference when he held a press conference on Thursday.
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"I would never be disrespectful to our owner," Dolan said. "He's trying to take the club forward.
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"But I've not been at a club ever where the board try and pick the team.
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"You hear about that abroad but I genuinely don't think you hear about that in England."
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Asked directly whether Zingarevich would pick the team to play at Old Trafford, a long pause followed, before Dolan said: "Obviously not. He's asked me to pick the team.