READING’S supporters’ trust has issued a statement backing under-fire boss Jaap Stam.

Stam is coming under mounting pressure after one win in 11 games has left Royals just four points above the Championship relegation zone.

A section of fans are even planning to stage a protest at the Madejski Stadium this Saturday before the Championship clash against Derby Country.

But STAR – the Supporters’ Trust at Reading – have reaffirmed their faith in manager Stam and are urging others to get right behind the 45-year-old Dutchman.

“We’re well aware of the often heated debates among Reading fans about our current form and predicament,” the statement read. “We have them amongst the STAR board ourselves.

“Whether you like it or not the club appear to have made the decision to back the manager, provided him with two experienced players and taken the squad away for hopefully a reviving break in Spain.

“There’s still a third of the season left - 15 games. The main thing now is to avoid relegation and the implications that would have for club finances and Category One Academy status.”

Bracknell News:

Reading boss Jaap Stam.

Reading have managed only one Championship victory in their last 11 fixtures and that was a 3-1 win at bottom club Burton Albion.

Stam’s men have not tasted victory at home on a Saturday since last April and they are unlikely to be in for an easy afternoon this weekend against title-chasing Rams.

Before that Reading face a huge six-pointer at Nottingham Forest tomorrow night – the side immediately above them in the table (7.45pm ko) – having just returned from a warm-weather training camp in Spain.

The STAR statement continued: “We’ve got 32 points and we’ll need between 50 to 54 points to stay up in all probability. That means our form has to improve – but only to a level that looks quite feasible.

“There are several clubs worse off than us and their recent form isn’t anything to write home about either. As supporters, we can affect morale – either way.

“We’ve had a 10 day break since the last game, a chance to recharge batteries and wipe the slate clean. Start-again time at Nottingham Forest.

“Time, regardless of what we think of current personnel and tactics, to back our club, back our men and back its future.”


The supporters' trust also argued fans give Stam and his players their full and positive backing this Saturday and to leave any negative feelings at home.

“Make the Mad Stad a welcome place next Saturday for us to play in, not Derby County,” they say.

“This season obviously hasn’t gone to plan but let the management sort that out in the summer – as a Championship club still – with our support.”