After the optimism and hope that surrounded the club in pre-season it’s fair to say this has been a disastrous campaign for Reading so far.

As we know, the Royals were penalty kicks away from promotion to the Premier League last season and many thought they could go one better this time around.

For whatever reason, it hasn’t happened and there has been intense speculation surrounding the future of Jaap Stam in recent weeks after a dismal run of form.

Reading are just four points ahead of the relegation zone and there is a chance they could be playing in League One next season.

Whilst there are several other sides you would say are more likely to go down it can’t be dismissed given the poor run the Royals are on.

Either way, a serious shake up needs to happen in the summer and that will include a lot of players leaving.

Here are two that Stam should offload.

The Irishman is out of contract in the summer and has barely featured so there’s no chance of him getting a new deal but that’s the right call.

Quinn has become something of a forgotten man in recent years, managing just seven league appearances in the previous campaign and none this time around.

The ex-Sheffield United man came with high hopes but just hasn’t delivered and even though injuries have played a big part, both he and the club will be glad to part ways come July.

The former Manchester United defender has had his own fans turn on him in recent weeks which prompted a passionate response from Stam to stick up for his player.

Whilst nobody deserves such severe criticism from their own supporters, the frustration of the Reading supporters is understandable. Blackett makes too many mistakes and has put in several poor performances.

His confidence will be low and a fresh start could help his career, meanwhile Reading need to sign an upgrade so a move looks likely.

Thoughts, Reading fans? Let us know in the comments below.