Reading sack Jaap Stam

Reading have parted company with coach Jaap Stam after a disappointing season in the Championship. Despite leading the club to the play-off's last season, it appears that the Royals' board have decided to let the Dutchman go.

The Dutch boss has been responsible for the club during the last nine games for which Reading failed to win a single game. In addition, Reading have only won one game in their last 19 Championship games.

A Reading statement read: "Reading Football Club announce that Jaap Stam has left his position as manager of the club with immediate effect. Majority shareholders, Mr Yongge Dai and Ms Xiu Li Dai, had wanted to give Jaap every opportunity to turn around what has been a difficult and challenging Championship campaign. 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. "