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Reading owner Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth believes Jaap Stam has rejuvenated the club since replacing Brian McDermott in the summer.

Under Stam Royals have enjoyed a positive start to the season, although they did suffer a reality check on Saturday when they were beaten 2-0 at Wolves.

And Thanakarnjanasuth - better known as Tiger - insists the signs of improvement on the pitch are mirrored by what is happening off it.

He said: “There is a very good atmosphere at the training ground and in the dressing room. This year we will really play as a team.

“Jaap really brings everyone together. I can tell he has the respect of all of the players because he knows what he is doing.

“I watch a lot of training sessions and I can see a lot of difference. After the sessions we have a meal together with the players and manager and I can tell the difference.

“The players are enjoying things a lot. Everyone is doing well.”

When the board decided to replace McDermott with the inexperienced Stam, many saw it is a risky move by the club.

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But so far the changes which have been introduced in by the Dutchman have given everyone a lift - as have some of the new signings, including the impressive Roy Beerens and John Swift.

It’s a different looking squad, with the big names who arrived on loan last season now a thing of the past.

But Tiger is adamant the club is now better equipped to enjoy a successful campaign.

“I think last season we had great players in terms of names,” he said. “But those big name players didn’t perform.

“This year, from what I can see from training, everyone is working very hard.

“Last season the last five - 10 minutes we were always hit. If we were winning we would end up drawing, or if we were drawing we would end up losing.

“But this season I don’t think we will have that sort of situation because I can tell how all of the players are now working so hard.”