Jaap Stam has left as manager of Reading “by mutual consent”.
The Dutchman enjoyed a memorable first campaign in charge, guiding the club to third in the Championship, but has been unable to arrest the slide this season with the Royals just three points clear of the relegation zone.
Reading have won only once in their last 18 league matches since November and the club’s owners have decided to act now to try and stave off relegation to League One.
A club statement read: “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.”
It continued: “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.”
