Reading have sacked manager Jaap Stam with just eight games of the Championship season remaining.
The club sit only three points away from the relegation zone following Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Norwich and have not won since January 30.
The former Manchester United and Holland defender led the Royals to the Sky Bet Championship play-off final in his first season in charge.
But, having lost on penalties to Huddersfield at Wembley, Stam has failed to maintain those lofty heights this term and departs the Madejski with Reading in serious trouble.
In a statement, Reading said: ‘Reading Football Club announce that Jaap Stam has left his position as manager of the club with immediate effect.
‘Majority shareholders, Mr Yongge Dai and Ms Xiu Li Dai, had wanted to give Jaap every opportunity to turn around what has been a difficult and challenging Championship campaign.
‘Jaap has not wavered in the time, effort and sheer determination he has put in to try to steer the team away from the position we find ourselves in.
‘However, after careful consideration, the decision has been made that a change is now necessary.
‘We would like to thank Jaap for his hard work and commitment to the club, in particular noting what he achieved in a memorable first season in club management, and we wish him the very best of luck in his future endeavours.
‘We will now focus on identifying and recruiting the right person to take Reading Football Club forward.
‘The club will make no additional comment at this time but will provide further updates as soon as possible.’
Reading are currently 20th in the table, only three points above the drop zone, having won just one of their last 18 league matches.
Source: Dailymail.com
