Jaap Stam departs Reading after terrible run

Reading manager Jaap Stam has left the club after a run of just one win in 19 league games put the Royals in the thick of the Sky Bet Championship relegation battle.

A 3-2 defeat to Norwich on Saturday made it nine consecutive league games without victory and left Reading 20th in the table, just three points above the drop zone. They are 9-2 to be playing in League One next season.

A club statement said: "After careful consideration, the decision has been made that a change is now necessary.

"We will now focus on identifying and recruiting the right person to take the club forward."

Reading have just over a week to find a solution before playing QPR at the Madejski Stadium on Friday, March 30.

Former Derby and Swansea boss Paul Clement is the early favourite for the position.

Reading will need all the home points they can get as they still face tricky away trips to highflying Aston Villa, Fulham and Cardiff.

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