27 May 2016
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Jaap Stam remains the leading contender to become the new manager of Reading FC after Brian McDermott's shock dismissal earlier today. Stam, previously assistant manager at Ajax, is rumoured to already be in discussions with Reading prior to the sacking of McDermott. Stam had a memorable playing career, notching up 67 international appearances for the Netherlands, scoring three times. His success with PSV Eindhoven saw Stam become a household name and led to Manchester United paying over 10 million pounds for him in 1998 - a record payment for a defender.
After playing for Lazio and AC Milan, Stam made a return to Ajax to finish his playing career. After retiring from playing, he returned to Manchester United as a scout, before taking up an assistant manager role at FC Zwolle. He joined Ajax again as a managerial assistant in 2013, and now appears to be firmly in the hunt for his first appointment as a senior first team manager.
Other than Stam, the usual contenders have been named by the bookmakers, including Gareth Southgate, Phil Parkinson, and Steve Bruce. Given our owners treatment of McDermott it seems highly unlikely they would return to another Reading legend - which would rule Phil Parkinson out. A "big name" seems a likely choice - but not one that would come with a huge price tag. Stam would fit the bill as a manager that would look to use Reading a stepping stone to lead on to bigger things. His lack of experience is probably irrelevant to Reading owners, who failed to give McDermott time to attempt a repeat of his previous success in getting Reading out of the Championship.
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