Jaap Stam has pledged his future to Reading by signing a new two-year deal at the Madejski Stadium.

Stam's previous contract was due to expire in 2018 but the Dutchman has been rewarded after guiding the Royals to the Championship play-off final, where they were beaten in a penalty shoot-out by Huddersfield.

The club's new majority shareholders Dai Yongge and Dai Xiu Li were keen to ensure 44-year-old Stam was not prised away by other clubs this summer after an impressive debut season in senior management.

Jaap Stam has pledged his future to Reading by signing a new two-year deal at the Madejski

'My sister and I are absolutely delighted that Jaap Stam has agreed to sign a new contract at Reading Football Club,' Yongge said in quotes published on the club's official website.

'We will support Jaap in helping him to build a squad capable of challenging at the top end of the Championship again in 2017-18 and that support will continue throughout the season as we look forward to the challenge of a brand new season.'

Assistant Manager Andries Ulderink and first team coach Said Bakkati, who followed Stam to Berkshire back in June 2016, have also signed new deals at the club.

Chief Executive Nigel Howe commented, 'Jaap, Andries and Said signing new contracts is momentous for this football club and a clear demonstration that Reading Football Club is a great place to be right now.

'Akin to the manager, we are a club with fierce ambition and his commitment to the cause offers us the continuity we need to build on last season's undoubted successes, shape our future with stability, drive and focus and aspire to achieve even more in 2017-18. I'm delighted we have secured his signature.'