Reading manager Jaap Stam is on the brink of the sack as his face Middlesbrough this afternoon but it’s hard to have too much sympathy with the Dutch boss after he criticised the fans.

Stam has questioned why the fans are quick to moan about the players and launched a strong defence of Tyler Blackett after he was criticised by the Royals followers.

The facts are that Reading have seriously underachieved this season and relegation does look as though it could be a possibility and ultimately that lies with Stam.

The former Ajax coach has been too strict in his insistence on playing out from the back and it is costing his side.

Championship clubs have quickly found out a way of getting results against the Royals and it has understandably infuriated supporters.

If Stam was willing to adapt, try different styles or make bolder changes then fans might be willing to give him more time. After all, he should have a lot of credit in the bank after the huge success he enjoyed in his first season.

However, he hasn’t been willing to do that.

Instead, Stam has become increasingly stubborn and decided to take on the fans which will only end in one way.

Reading were big spenders in the summer and again delivered two proven Championship players in the window to help their beleaguered manager.

Given that, the hierarchy had every right to expect a top-half finish as the minimum achievement but that is not going to happen now.

Therefore, Stam’s dismissal seems inevitable. And, whether it’s after today’s game at Middlesbrough or at the end of the season, he has brought a lot of it on himself.

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