NEW manager Brian McDermott is feeling optimistic about the future at Leeds United despite a 1-0 defeat at Birmingham in the npower Championship.

Hayden Mullins netted the only goal of the game for the Blues, but results elsewhere banished any lingering threat of relegation for the visitors.

McDermott said: “I thought we should have got something out of the game. When it was 0-0, we were on top and then they scored from nothing.

“When I arrived at the club I put my reputation on the line and to make sure Leeds remained in this division. As far as I am concerned it is job done.

“Everyone must be going in the same direction. If that occurs in this club you have a major chance.

“I think we have to talk about who needs to come in. If we can add to the squad with good quality players who know this division we should progress.

“Leeds were possibly in trouble when I came in. I am delighted with the boys. They played two games at home and we won them both. They were pressure games.”

Following two successive wins under McDermott, Leeds came back down to earth with another away defeat.

The goalless first half had been indicative of the respective positions of both clubs. The stalemate was broken in the 72nd minute when Paddy Kenny failed to hold on to a Nathan Redmond strike and Mullins knocked it in.