One of the major road blocks in Reading's promotion challenge at the start of last season was the real lack of leaders and key figures in the side.

So much responsibility landed on the shoulders of Nick Blackman, and no one really took control over the side and provided that calm head that makes up a successful side. That was one of the main reasons why the wheels fell of Reading's promotion wagon last season.

However, Jaap Stam is looking to completely change the system Reading will be playing, opting for a 4-3-3 instead of Brian McDermott's favoured midfield diamond, and this means he will need a whole new core upon which to build his side.

In the past, the likes of Kevin Doyle, Marcus Hahnemann, Shane Long, Andre Bikey and Gylfi Sigurdsson provided this core, but with a new crop of youth coming through, this core will have to change.

Here are THREE players that will form the core of Reading FC next season.

Paul McShane 

The Irish centre back joined the Royals on a free transfer last summer after being released by Hull City, and was immediately made captain by Steve Clarke.

Despite a few shaky moments, the Irishman was one of the Royals' standout players last term, and his Premier League experience and no-nonsense attitude came in very handy at times.

A commanding centre half himself, Jaap Stam will favour the Irishman, and will build his back four around him.

Joey van den Berg

The tough tackling midfielder can play anywhere in the centre of the park, and will be the core of the midfield for next season.

The Dutchman was Jaap Stam's first signing as Reading manager, which proves how vital he sees the midfielder to his plans next season.

Van den Berg arrives from Heerenveen with a reputation as a hot tempered combative midfielder, which will perfectly suit the Championship's physical playing style.

Yann Kermorgant

The 34-year-old striker arrived from Bournemouth in January with an excellent goal scoring record to his name.

Whilst his goal tally was modest in his first half season at Reading, fans could appreciate what he added to the team.

Preferably deployed as a Target Man with another forward alongside him, Kermorgant adds power and prowess as well as some clever flick ons for his striker partner to run onto.