Jaap Stam appointed Reading manager on two-year contract

Jaap Stam says he will follow Sir Alex Ferguson's example in his new role as Reading manager

Reading have confirmed Jaap Stam as their new manager on an initial two-year contract.

The former Manchester United and Netherlands centre-back replaces Brian McDermott at the Madejski Stadium and is the Championship club's first overseas manager.

The Reading job is a first managerial post for 43-year-old Stam, who also played for PSV Eindhoven and Lazio and until recently had been coaching the academy and U21 sides at Ajax.

Stam said: "Reading are very ambitious like I am and want to get back to the Premier League. Hopefully we can have a good partnership and get there.

"Everyone knows that teams in the Championship are very competitive. It's not going to be easy, but we'll work hard."

Stam has signed a two-year deal with Reading

Chief executive Nigel Howe said: "I am delighted to welcome Jaap to Reading. He was the first choice amongst a vast number of applicants interested in the position and we are thrilled that we have managed to secure the signature of a manager with such an abundance of experience.

"His record as both a player and coach, at the very highest level in England, Italy and Holland as well as internationally, speaks for itself and on behalf of everyone at Reading Football Club I would like to wish Jaap the very best in his career as a Royal." 

John Madejski says he was sorry to see Brian McDermott leave Reading in May

Chairman Sir John Madejski, speaking at the same press conference, said he had been disappointed to see Brian McDermott leave the club in May.

He said: "I wish that Brian had been given a bit longer, but the shareholders decided it was time for a change.

"I respect the shareholders' decision, although I didn't agree with the decision that Brian shouldn't have stayed longer.

Stam says he's very excited about his new role and targets reaching the play-offs and eventually the Premier League

"That's in the past now, so we have to move forward. I wish Jaap every success for the future and I really do mean that."

A statement on the Reading website confirmed Stam is likely to appoint Andries Ulderink and Said Bakkati to his coaching staff.

Both men worked with Stam at Ajax and are set to rejoin their fellow Dutchman, who will also retain first-team coaches Steven Reid and Dave Beasant.