JAAP STAM has today been announced as Reading’s new manager.
Former Manchester United defender Stam has been the strong favourite for the post ever since Brian McDermott’s sacking last month.
And after a prolonged wait, the deal has finally been confirmed to bring the Dutchman to Madejski Stadium.
Stam, 43, left his coaching role at Ajax at the end of last season to pursue a career in management, ideally in England.
And Stam has got his wish immediately to become Royals fourth manager in under two years.
The new boss will not be the only Ajax connection at the club with Stam linking up with director of football Brian Tevreden having worked with him previously in Holland and also new signing Denzell Gravenberch.
“We are all extremely excited to have Jaap Stam as the new manager of Reading,” said Tiger, a shareholder at Reading.
“Lady Sasima, Narin and I have spoken to Jaap about his hopes and ambitions for Reading and it is clear to see he is a man with a real passion for football and a lot of energy and enthusiasm ready to put into his new role as a Royal.
“He and his coaching team arrive from Ajax, a club globally renowned for developing young players into first team stars, and from this moment onwards we will sit down together and help to put his plans into action to build a strong squad capable of rising to the challenge of the Championship in 2016/17.
“He has achieved the very highest honours as a player and has already won a title in his coaching career, so now he can begin what we believe will be a very successful journey in management at Madejski Stadium.”