Stam at risk of paying penalty

JAAP STAM faces the sack if Reading lose at Nottingham Forest tonight – nine months after missing out on a place in the Premier League on penalties.

Manchester United legend Stam guided the Royals to last season’s Championship play-off final where they lost to Huddersfield on spot-kicks.

But the Royals have plummeted to 18th in the table – four points above the relegation zone – after winning just three of their last 14 games.

Stam’s strugglers also face a daunting run of fixtures against promotionchasers Derby, Sheffield United and Wolves after their trip to the City Ground.

The Dutchman, who has come under fire from fans, took his players on a warmweather training camp in Spain over the weekend. Captain Chris Gunter said: “It was tough in Spain but that is why we were there. It was not just an excuse to have four or five days away from home. It was good to get away and have a change of environment but the main thing is our results have to improve now we are back home.

“There’s no hiding away from the fact we haven’t had the results we wanted. Our job is to stay upbeat and look forward, so sometimes getting away to refresh the mind does help somewhat.

“Hopefully there will be more of a spring in our step because ultimately we need results.”

Forest are a place above Reading in the Championship and Wales defender Gunter added: “I don’t think they’ve had too many good results of late either. Tuesday is a good chance and when you have a lot of games in a short space of time it’s important you play well and pick up points.” STAM: Struggle