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The last time we heard from Jaap Stam he was a pretty frustrated fellow but in today's pre-Derby briefing, he seemed a much happier chap. The Reading boss had several interesting topics thrown his way and generally it seems like good news.
On new signing Tiago Ilori
Stam confirmed that the club's latest signing from Liverpool has been training with the squad and is in conention to face Derby this weekend. As per Get Reading's Jonathan Low, the boss is quoted as saying.
“I’m looking forward to working with Ilori. He’s been training for a few days and is ready for the weekend. He has potential and is not concerned with lack of game time in his past.”
Ilori will wear the number 20 shirt at the Mad Stad, the shirt previously held by one Ola John.
Asked why the deal took so long to complete....
JS on Ilori: 'I don't know why it took so long, people upstairs deal with that.' #ReadingFC
— Anthony Smith (@Smudgersport) January 18, 2017
Paul McShane's fitness
McShane hasn't been fit for action since wrist surgery following the Bristol City game three weeks ago, the good news is that he's come in at the early side of the 3-6 week recovery estimate. The Reading Captain has recovered to the point where he'll be fit to travel to Pride Park and will compete with Ilori for a spot in the starting lineup.
On future transfers & takeover updates
So with Ilori in through the Madejski Stadium doors, will he be joined by others this month? Stam says there's money to spend but isn't committing to any big deals.
JS: 'There is some money available but not 5 or 6 million. We need to be creative, look abroad or in the academy.' #Readingfc
— Anthony Smith (@Smudgersport) January 18, 2017
The fact that Stam's saying money is available is great news after last week's financial results. The question of where the actual money is coming from remains an interesting question but it's coming from somewhere which in the short-term is what matters.
The Reading boss was also asked about the takeover but couldn't provide the media with any updates this afternoon, just that he'd been having conversations with the Thai owners regarding the club's budget.
So some pretty good news coming out of Hogwood this afternoon. Fingers crossed we get some joy at Pride Park and the odd signing or two over the next two weeks!