289: Jaap Stam, Manchester United, Merlin’s F.A. Premier League 2000, Millennium Edition Sticker Collection

Today Emlyn Jones takes a look at the playing and management career of a defensive colossus who could strike fear into the hearts of anyone who dared to take him on. A fierce competitor he was clearly inspired by Chris Waddle’s efforts at Italia 90 when he launched his penalty shootout effort into orbit during his nation’s loss to Italy. Perhaps this is the reason behind the excellent star tattoo on his elbow. Over to Emlyn.

Wales and Reading have conspired to throw up some truly dreadful football matches in my time, the most recent being Wales failing to breach the Estonian defence back in September 2021, leading to a drab 0-0 draw that at least had a few close efforts. The runaway leader for the worst match I have ever sat through, however, occurred on 29th May 2017. Reading had performed well enough to make the play-offs, and victory over Fulham meant that we would be lining up at Wembley for 'THE RICHEST GAME IN FOOTBALL' as per Sky Sports; the Championship Play-Off Final. I met up with friends in an Ascot pub and got the train from Beaconsfield buoyed with optimism to attend the game.

What followed was 120 minutes of absolute bilge, with both teams cautious to the point there were a total of three shots on target in the entire game, including extra time; the first time a play-off final finished goalless. In the resulting penalty shootout, Reading at one point led 3-1, but misses from Liam Moore and Jordan Obita saw Huddersfield Town the 4-3 victors, and Reading continue a woeful record in the play-offs. Captain Chris Gunter stated that although they were disappointed, the squad's priority was keeping their manager; Dutch legend, Jaap Stam.

Stam made his professional debut with FC Zwolle in 1992, and slowly moved up the Dutch pyramid with SC Cambuur and Willem II before signing for PSV Eindhoven. He had huge success with the side, winning the Eredivisie, Johan Cruyff Shield, and being named Footballer of the Year. Seeking to replace long-term defensive lynchpin Gary Pallister, Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson splashed out £10.6m to bring Stam to Old Trafford.

Stam's first season couldn't have gone any better, with the defender a key part in the side which won the treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. Two further successive league titles and an Intercontinental Cup were all achieved with Stam the bedrock of the defence. However, in 2001, Ferguson decided that an offer of £16m from Lazio was too good to turn down. There were rumours that comments in Stam's autobiography caused the sale, though Ferguson claimed that he felt Stam was past his peak and wanted to cash in. The comments on him being past his peak at 29 were curious, given he was replaced by 35-year old Laurent Blanc.

Stam's early career at Lazio was marred by a positive steroid test for Nandrolone leading to a four-month ban, however, following his return he was a regular thereon and won the Coppa Italia in 2004, before signing for AC Milan. In his eighteen months there he reached a Champions' League final, and was again a key part of the side. He then returned to he Eredivisie with Ajax in 2006, winning two futher Johann Cruyff shields before retiring in October 2007. His 415 club appearances are supplemented by 67 for the Netherlands international side. After being an unused squad player at Euro 96, Stam played in three tournaments, making the semi-finals in each case, and was a key part of the side for eight years.

Stam originally commenced post-retirement work as a scout back at Manchester United, before moving into coaching with PEC Zwolle, then co-managing the Ajax youth team. He was then recruited by new Director of Football, and his compatriot, Brian Tevreden to manage Reading. His first season was a success, leading to the aforementioned play-off final and a new contract. Unfortunately, a run of one win in eighteen matches in his second season saw him dismissed in March 2018 with Reading sitting 20th in the league. Stam returned to PEC Zwolle as manager in December of that year, before being recruited by Feyenoord in March 2019.

While at Feyenoord, Stam played in a reunion game to mark the 20th anniversary of Manchester United's treble victory. Showing he had lost none of his fire, he stamped his authority on the 'friendly' match by leaving Carsten Jancker writhing in pain with a tackle and then launching Ivica Olić into the air with another. Fans commented that, even nearing 50, Stam was an improvement on the existing defence then manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was able to call on. Sadly, this wasn't mirrored in his performance as manager for Feyenoord. He lasted just over six months in the role before resigning following a 4-0 loss to Ajax.

Stam's next role was as the manager of FC Cincinnati, joining in May 2020. Unfortunately, their social media team instead tweeted a picture of Ajax youth coach Tinus van Teunenbroek alongside the announcement. Both bald, both Dutch, otherwise... Other sides had a laugh with it, posting pictures of other bald celebrities as their new coaches, such as San Jose Earthquakes unveiling Bruce Willis with Vancouver Whitecaps selecting Doctor Evil. Unfortunately, Stam lasted only until September 2021 with Cincinnati, being relieved of his duties with the side languishing one place above the bottom of the Eastern Conference. It's a shame that Stam's managerial career has yet to really take off, but at only 49 time is on his side. And if not I'm pretty sure he'd still improve the United defence.