Jaap Stam Speaks Out Following Reading FC Departure

‘I want Jaap’s side of the story!’ we hear you cry. Well fortunately, the now ex-Reading boss has been interviewed by Dutch media following his departure from RG2.

Speaking to Voetbal International, Stam explained how he and his agent Henk Timmer met with the Reading hierarchy last night and decided that he would leave the club

“We talked to each other in a good way and came to the conclusion that it would be better if the roads would separate.

“Sometimes new impulses are needed at a club when the tide has to be turned. Of course it is annoying. But this can happen once in your managerial career. Especially in current professional football. Also in the Championship clubs change manager more frequently now. Having had almost two seasons, I stayed for quite a while [in comparison with others].”

Speaking fondly of his time with the Royals, the former Manchester United defender expressed:

“Last season we performed extremely well. With well-cared-for combination football, we have tried to distinguish ourselves in the Championship. We wanted to take further steps in this season, but that did not work out due to various causes. That is unfortunate, because Reading is a wonderful club, I really hope they will go well.”

On what the future holds for him, Stam said:

“For the time being I stay with my family in England. Our children will finish the school year here and then we will see what will come my way. It has been an constructive period at Reading, with that experience with me I want to start a new challenge as a manager.”

Note: All quotes were translated via Google Translate, and changed slightly to try and make better English.