JAAP Stam and his coaching staff have been a breath of fresh air for Reading FC this season.

It is no easy feat to completely turn around the Royals’ fortunes after two, let’s be honest, dismal seasons where we finished 19th and 17th in the Championship table.

The Dutchman has taken his fair share of criticism in the media since the day he joined the club on June 13 last year, with many doubting his level of experience at management level.

But he has proven everyone wrong time and time again, and his influence has paid dividends.

Take Liam Moore for example, without a doubt one of Reading’s star players this season. I find it hard to believe he would have joined what was then a struggling Championship side without Stam at the helm.

Moore’s career has been completely transformed by Stam. He’s one of the best defenders I have seen at Championship level and I strongly believe he could make the grade in the top-flight.

Liam Kelly is another. Stam learnt from the best when it came to putting faith in young players when he worked under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Fergie was never afraid to field the youngsters, providing he thought they were good enough, and Stam is no different.

Kelly was playing non-league football with Bath City this time last year and, in the space of 12 months, he is excelling in a top Championship team.

With age on his side he has a world of potential, although I’m not sure if he’ll quite reach Andreas Iniesta’s level.

Moving on, I can understand why Reading fans booed the playing style earlier on in the season. Supporters want goals, excitement and entertainment. Knocking the ball across a back four or five isn’t always the most eye-catching thing to watch.

The players made mistakes, and they will continue to make mistakes, but the important thing is that they are learning and improving.

But how can anyone argue? Look at where it has got Reading - third in the Championship in an increasingly challenging league where clubs splash tens of millions of pounds on players on a regular basis.

I’m sure there will be plenty of interest in Stam after his stellar debut season in the hotseat, but I sincerely hope he stays in Berkshire for the time being and continues to build on the solid foundations laid this season.

It’s unrealistic to say he’ll be here for ever, but let’s enjoy having him while we can, and back him all the way to get Reading back into the Premier League - if not this season then soon.