Earlier today, Brian McDermott was relieved of his duties as Reading manager for the second time. Although they ended the season poorly, it was still something of a shock to hear this announcement earlier today.
Instantly, speculation has been rife as to who will potentially replace him in the Madejski Stadium hot-seat. We have put together five names who have already been linked to the vacancy.
Sit back, relax and enjoy a look through the five early runners and riders to be the next Reading manager.
Jaap Stam
Stam has recently been on the coaching staff at Dutch giants Ajax, but departs after Frank de Boer resigned as manager a few days after the season finished. He is therefore on the lookout for a job, which would be his first job as a manager, having served as an assistant with Ajax, as well as FC Zwolle.
If reports are to be believed, Stam has already met up with Reading representatives to see about taking on the role. He has worked with Brian Tevreden, the Reading director of football, during their time together in Holland. That fact alone is a big indicator of something potentially happening. Nicky Hammond left the club a few weeks ago now, so there is something of a more continental approach now.
Without a doubt it would be a big gamble to name Stam as manager, given he has no experience of this level. Next season the Championship will be as competitive as it has ever been. Stam needs to cut his teeth in the managerial world somewhere, and it appears Reading looks likely to be that place. The ex-Man Utd defender is the odds-on favourite to replace the departed McDermott.
Click ‘Next’ to reveal quite a surprising name being linked to the role!
