Reading Manager Jaap Stam Rewarded for Excellent Debut Season With New Contract
Reading have announced that manager Jaap Stam has agreed to extend his contract until the end of the 2018-19 season. The 44-year old enjoyed a successful first season in Berkshire as the Royals came within a whisker of securing promotion to the Premier League.
Speaking to the club's official website, Reading's new majority shareholder Dai Yongge said: "My sister and I are absolutely delighted that Jaap Stam has agreed to sign a new contract at Reading Football Club. We will support Jaap in helping him to build a squad capable of challenging at the top end of the Championship again in 2017-18."
After retiring from football in 2007, Stam became the assistant coach at PEC Zwolle before joining his former club Ajax. Alongside Frank de Boer, he helped guide Ajax to the Eredivisie title in 2014.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 29: Reading fans create a visual display prior to the Sky Bet Championship play off final between Huddersfield and Reading at Wembley Stadium on May 29, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Gareth Copley/GettyImages
Reading gave Stam an opportunity to become a manager in August 2016. He took over a side that had finished 15th and 19th in the previous two seasons but they made a perfect start with a 1-0 win over Preston in his first game in charge.
A run of five successive wins through November propelled Reading into the promotion race and they would stay there for the rest of the season. Although Brighton and Newcastle would pull clear and secure the automatic promotion spots, Reading would secure their place in the play-offs.
Having beaten Fulham in the semi-final, the Royals were to suffer Wembley heartbreak, losing on penalties to Huddersfield after a forgettable final.
Stam's director of football Brian Tevreden was thrilled that the Dutchman will be staying at the Madjeski: "I am thrilled that Jaap has signed this new deal. Importantly his presence provides consistency at this football club and his leadership is invaluable going into the new Championship season."
Reading kick off their pre-season with a fixture against non-league Hungerford Town on 15th July before their first league match of the season away at Queens Park Rangers on 5th August.
