The former Manchester United and Lazio player has been a revelation for Reading since taking over as manager last summer.
Reading’s manager Jaap Stam
With wounds still sore for Reading fans following their heartbreaking play-off final defeat to Huddersfield Town on penalties, former owner Sir John Madejski has declared his excitement for the upcoming campaign, and hopes manager Jaap Stam is there to lead, as reported by the Reading Chronicle.
After a particularly drab 0-0 at Wembley – which saw just three shots on target in 120 minutes of football – Huddersfield prevailed 4-3 on penalties, despite being 3-1 down at one point, to condemn Reading to another season in the Championship.
Reading manager Jaap Stam speaks with Tiago Ilori before extra time
However, Reading had a fantastic season over the 46 games, and finished their domestic campaign in third place – four points above Huddersfield – as Stam seriously impressed and delivered in just his first season in charge with the Royals.
Madejski – who sold the club to Chinese owners this season – naturally still cares for the club and was very proud of the team for what they achieved, while desperately stressing the need for Stam to stay, as he feels that the club is on the cusp of something wonderful.
Reading manager Jaap Stam
“There’s an awful lot to be pleased about this season, and an awful lot to build on for next season,” Madejski said, as reported by the Reading Chronicle. “It’s been a great season really, and we can build on it in the future. I hope Jaap Stam will be here next season.
“Every manager wants success and I hope he will sit down and think what he can achieve here in Berkshire. He has done a fantastic job, as have the players. We have all been here before. When you have lose in a play off final four times you kind of get used to it.
“My heart goes out to each and every one of them (the players) but they will live to fight another day. Penalties are so cruel. I was thinking during the game, how absurd it was that we had finished third but we still had to go through this extraordinary time.”
Reading’s Daniel Williams receives medical attention at half time of extra time
While Stam has been very open about his intentions in regards to staying with Reading, as reported by BBC Sport, his contract runs out at the end of next summer, and as of yet, there have been no discussions over extending that.
Stam isn’t the only man at Reading that fans will want to keep hold of, as midfielder Danny Williams is out of contract in a few weeks, but whether he remains with the Royals or not is still very much up in the air.
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