How former Manchester United star Jaap Stam used Ajax model to transform Reading… despite them losing 5-0 at weekend

READING'S start to the season has been a complete surprise to many of their fans. Since former Manchester United and AC Milan star Jaap Stam arrived at the club in the summer the Royals have risen to third in the Championship.

Until their 5-0 defeat at Fulham on the weekend the Royals had gone five games unbeaten.

The Berkshire side beat Bristol City 2-1 at the Madejski at the end of November. Roy Beerens’ volley into the bottom corner after a fantastic team move was a particular highlight.

Keep up to date with ALL the EFL news, gossip and transfers on our club page

Their four prior matches had also led to victories, with fast flowing football being the main attraction. The defence is led by Republic of Ireland international Paul McShane and has been reflective of their manager’s defensive prowess as a player.

In an interesting further development, the Thai-owned club has also been rumoured to have been subject to interest for a takeover by a Chinese Consortium, reported by .

Here’s everything you need to know about Reading’s fantastic start:

How have they done it?

Having experienced three years in the championship after their last season in the Premier League Royals fans are keen for a return to the top.

Despite many pundits predicting a tough campaign for the Berkshire side, the Royals’ young squad has defied expectations.

In an interview on Channel 5’s Football on 5, Barnet manager Martin Allen praised their passing style of play explaining: “They keep possession right from the back with the goalkeeper, pass it around and wait for openings; they’ve been very brave with how they’ve asked them to play.”

Dutch manager Stam had a fearsome reputation as a player. He was the commanding centre-half at the heart of Manchester United’s treble-winning season in 1999.

Previously, as a coach he spent three years at Ajax, coaching in the renowned Amsterdam side’s youth setup and learning how to coach their famous possession based 4-3-3 formation.

He has brought this style to Berkshire, where a stuttering start transformed into fantastic form. Boasting the highest possession statistics in the league, his side has been as aesthetically pleasing as it has been successful.

Their third-place position may be under scrutiny until this young squad can overcome the gruelling English winter schedule. If they can then the riches of the Premier League may not be too far away.

Who are their key players? 

Ali Al-Habsi: The former Wigan keeper was the Royals’ player of the season as the club’s disappointing 2015-16 term ended in a disappointing seventh placed finish.

His performances have been crucial to the Royals, keeping clean sheets in four successive games in October and November.

His acrobatic style is as entertaining for fans as it is frustrating for the opposition. The Omani international will be vital if Reading are to continue their good form.

Garath McCleary: The Jamaican winger has thrived under Stam’s tutelage, notching up seven goals. The 29-year-old has also been nominated for the PFA Fans' Championship player of the month for November.

His direct-running style is combined with great crossing ability and a keen eye for goal. He is also the squad’s joint longest serving player, having joined alongside long-time friend and team-mate, Wales’ Chris Gunter, in 2012.

Danny Williams: The USA international has been a key component of Reading’s midfield for three years now. His all-action style is twinned with the occasional goal and he is the lynchpin of the side.

The 27-year-old rarely lets his guard slip in midfield and has been subject to Premier league interest from clubs like Swansea, Burnley and Crystal Palace as previously reported by The Sun.

One to watch

John Swift: The midfielder has an eye for the spectacular, his goal for England Under-21s against Bosnia in October was stunning. He’s backed it up well, scoring three and assisting three.

The ex-Chelsea trainee was a great spot by the Royals’ ever growing scouting network. This is run by Dutch Director of Football Brian Tevreden.

The 35-year-old has been overseen recruitment and was influential in bringing Stam, along with fellow Dutchmen Joey van den Berg and Roy Beerens.