Championship side Reading have sacked manager Jaap Stam following a disappointing run of form.The Royals have only won once in their last 18 league games and have slipped to 20th in the league, just three points above the drop zone.
The former Netherlands international took on his first managerial job when he was appointed Reading boss in July 2016. During a successful first season he led the Royals to within touching distance of promotion to the Premier League as they crashed out of the play-off-final in agonizing fashion, losing 4-3 on penalties to Huddersfield.
In a statement on the club's official website, Reading Majority shareholders Mr Yongge Dai and Ms Xiu Li Dai said “Jaap has not wavered in the time, effort and sheer determination he has put in to try to steer the team away from the position we find ourselves in. However, after careful consideration, the decision has been made that a change is now necessary.
We would like to thank Jaap for his hard work and commitment to the club, in particular noting what he achieved in a memorable first season in club management, and we wish him the very best of luck in his future endeavors.”
Stam made over 70 appearances for both PSV and Manchester United in a successful playing career, before stints as assistant manager at both PEC Zwolle and Ajax.
