Ollie meets Jaap Stam

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Ian Holloway sat down with Reading boss Jaap Stam this week to discuss life in management, his time at Manchester United and more.

The former Netherlands international was appointed on a two-year deal at the Madejski Stadium over the summer, replacing Brian McDermott as manager of the Royals.

Stam’s Reading, who face Ipswich live on Sky Sports on Friday night, have two wins, two losses and a draw from his opening five Championship games in charge.

Stam talked to Ollie about his new signings, his style of play and whether he harbours any grudge towards Sir Alex Ferguson after the way his Manchester United career ended…

How did the move to Reading come about?

“I’ve always said I wanted to go into management, either in Holland or the UK, and that’s what happened eventually at Reading.

“When I was working at Ajax, I started as a coach and then the last two seasons I managed the U21s.

“In the last couple of seasons Reading have played 4-4-2 with a flat midfield or diamond. When I came over here I said straight away I wanted to play a 4-3-3 system because being a former Dutch player and having grown up in Holland, I’m very familiar with that system.

“I want to play attractive, attacking football and from day one we have been working on that.”

You signed 11 players over the summer – how have they settled in?

“Some of them have done very well and have gone straight into the team. In training sessions they have been very impressive.

“They are more mature and more experienced than some of the other players that we brought in. It was easier for them to adjust to the style of the play and the Championship level.

“It’s a bit harder for some of the younger players. They need to get used to the …

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