Reading manager Jaap Stam staying put next season, no matter what happens in the play-off final

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Rumours were always going to circulate around Stam given Reading’s fine form this season, but he won’t be going anywhere.

Reading manager Jaap Stam

Reading boss Jaap Stam has given Royals fans a welcome boost ahead of their eagerly anticipated play-off final with Huddersfield Town, by declaring that he will remain with the club next season, no matter what happens at Wembley, as reported by Sky Sports.

Stam has had a remarkable debut season which has seen Reading finish third in the Championship, and they narrowly overcame Fulham 2-1 in the play-off semi finals to reach Wembley, where their next 90 minutes will determine whether they stay in the Championship or win promotion to the Premier League.

Reading manager Jaap Stam

Given how well he’s performed, it’s highly likely that Stam’s name could be linked with vacant managerial positions – especially considering Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Watford are looking for new managers.

However, he’s stamped out any possible rumours that may surface in the aftermath of the play-off final, by declaring his future – at least in the short term – lies with Reading, while also stating that while he is a very ambitious manager, he hopes to fulfil those goals with the Royals.

Reading manager Jaap Stam

“We need to prepare for both scenarios – after the game we can think about what it means for the club,” Stam said, as reported by Sky Sports. “The result won’t have an impact on my future here. I enjoy working here.

“I want to go to the top, I played at the top as a player and I want to as a manager. But hopefully I can do that at Reading.”

Reading manager Jaap Stam

Going by how both sides fared against each other this season – both teams winning the home fixture 1-0 – it’s highly unlikely that the play-off final will be a thrillfest as such, but Stam or Reading fans won’t care if it means they return to the top flight since relegation in 2013.

The Royals will have to do battle without the services of key centre back Paul McShane, who is suspended for the match following a straight red card offence in the play-off semi-final first leg against Fulham, banning him for three domestic matches.