"?Reading have officially unveiled Jaap Stam as their new manager.
The former Manchester United defender replaces Brian McDermott, who was sacked at the end of the season following a poor run of form, with the Dutchman signing a two-year deal.
BREAKING: We're delighted to welcome Jaap Stam as the new manager of Reading FC. Read here: https://t.co/3aOoVqVxEQ pic.twitter.com/SWCKhkt0za
Stam lifted several trophies, including the Premier League, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League, throughout a glittering playing career.
He hung up his boots in 2007 and briefly worked as a scout for United before he embarked on a coaching career with PEC Zwolle, who he led to the Eerste Divisie title.
The 43-year-old then became an assistant coach at Ajax but felt the time was right for a new challenge.
The former defender will be joined at the Madejski Stadium by Andries Ulderink and Said Bakkati who worked with him at Ajax and, alongside the Royals current first-team coaches Steven Reid and Dave Beasant, they help to form the new-look coaching staff.
Reading finished 16th in the Championship last season and Stam will be tasked with propelling them towards the top of the table.
Jaap reveals that he spoke to Guus Hiddink and Ronald Koeman ahead of joining Reading. Not a bad contacts list in football management!
Chief Executive Nigel Howe told the club's "?official website: "I am delighted to welcome Jaap to Reading. He was the first choice amongst a vast number of applicants interested in the position and we are thrilled that we have managed to secure the signature of a manager with such an abundance of experience.
"His record as both a player and coach, at the very highest level in England, Italy and Holland as well as internationally, speaks for itself and on behalf of everyone at Reading Football Club I would like to wish Jaap the very best in his career as a Royal."
Stam becomes the first overseas boss in Reading's history and his first job will be to secure the futures of several first-team stars.
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