International football is over, which means proper league football is back - and with it, press conferences. Jaap Stam has sat down with the local press ahead of The Royals’ game with Bristol City, and covered the transfer window, the possibility of signing free agents, and more.
On the transfer window, and trying to get that striker
Stam was understandably happy with the summer transfer window, and particularly how much the new Chinese owners backed him and his staff over the course of the summer.
Stam: I'm very happy with what the owners have done to help the squad. #ReadingFC
— Tom Crocker (@TomJCrocker) September 6, 2017
He also mentioned that elusive proven goalscorer signing he - and Reading fans everywhere - craved.
Stam: You can always be greedy and say you could have one more, but we're happy with the squad #ReadingFC
— Tom Crocker (@TomJCrocker) September 6, 2017
Stam: There were several strikers we wanted but we couldn't get any from the top of the list we wanted #ReadingFC
— Tom Crocker (@TomJCrocker) September 6, 2017
Stam: Oliveira was the type of player we wanted, but he was just too expensive. #ReadingFC
— Tom Crocker (@TomJCrocker) September 6, 2017
Free signing incoming?
Just because the transfer window is shut, doesn’t man Brian Tevreden and co can’t make any more additions to the squad.
Stam: Signing a free agent is a possibility. But they need to make us better #ReadingFC
— Tom Crocker (@TomJCrocker) September 6, 2017
The international break was welcome
As recorded in GetReading, Stam felt the international break came at the right time.
"We needed these two weeks to get players back into the squad, get them fit and work with them again, including new players.”
Good news on the Kermorgant front, who may be back in the starting XI sooner than we expected.
Stam: Hopefully Kermorgant will be back in a couple of weeks scoring too. So we're not worried. #ReadingFC
— Tom Crocker (@TomJCrocker) September 6, 2017
While left back Obita, who signed a new contract recently, is close to a return as well.
Stam: Obita is getting back to fitness, he trained today. #ReadingFC
— Tom Crocker (@TomJCrocker) September 6, 2017
On signing Aluko from Fulham
Aluko, who is reportedly Reading’s record signing, was not as expensive as the media would lead you to believe. Could this be a bargain in the making?
Stam: The amount said in the media we paid for Aluko is not true. It was less than that. #ReadingFC
— Tom Crocker (@TomJCrocker) September 6, 2017
Back at the Mad Stad
So, league football returns this weekend with Bristol City visiting the Madejski Stadium.
"To play at home in front of our fans give us a good feeling. But we're playing a very good team and it won't be easy.
"They've had a few changes but are doing well. We still need to give everything if we want to get a result.
"We need to dig in and work hard, starting Saturday."
Ah, Championship football, it’s good to have you back.