READING FC are unlikely to splash the cash in a bid to win promotion next season.

That was director of football Brian Tevreden’s sobering message following Jaap Stam’s appointment as new manager on Monday.

Tevreden claims Royals spent ‘ridiculous’ sums of money last season, but could only manage 17th in the Championship table.

The club forked out £2 million alone on a one-year loan deal for Matej Vydra that saw the Watford striker score just three goals in 32 league appearances.

Vydra was one of six loan players recruited last season – most on bumper wages – and Tevreden was clearly unimpressed with the return they got for their money.

Now the ex-Ajax coach says it is time to do things differently.

In an exclusive Reading Chronicle interview, he said: “To be fair, I hear a lot of things about money, but if you look back Reading has spent a lot of money.

“Last season we spent ridiculous money and we underachieved.

“I think it’s best to do things in a good way and have a good mix of talented and experienced players which is always important in the Championship.

“But money doesn’t guarantee success, so you have to do it in a different way.

“That’s why the owners have made this change and brought in Jaap Stam. I have a very good feeling about it.”

Tevreden, 34, is part of a Dutch revolution at Madejski Stadium that has seen Stam appointed on an initial two-year-contract with the option of a third.

Ex-Manchester United, Milan, Lazio and Netherlands defender Stam will be joined in the dugout by Andries Uldrink and Said Bakkati, who previously worked with him at Ajax.

Tevreden, who hails from Amsterdam, hung up his boots in 2009 and worked his way up the Ajax ranks before joining Royals in February.

He was then promoted to director of football in April when Nick Hammond left after 20 years’ with Royals to join West Bromwich Albion.

But Tevreden revealed he remains in regular contact with Hammond.

“I have worked very closely with Nick,” he added. “I have more international connections and we talk a lot on the phone.

“He asks me my opinion of players from a West Brom point of view and I ask him about players in the Championship because I also value his opinion.

“The relationship between us is very, very tight and Nick is a very good guy.”

Reading have made one new signing this summer following the capture of Dutch defender Danzell Gravenberch, 22, from one of Tevreden’s former clubs, FC Dordrecht.

And Tevreden admits the upcoming transfer window will be a crucial one for the Royals.

“Reading has a very good reputation as a club with a good academy,” he explained. “People are very warm and they work very hard. If we do things the right way, I really believe we can achieve great things.

“This summer is going to be an important one for us. That is why we took our time in appointing Jaap.

“Now we have a very clear plan about the future and the structure of the club. We will try our best to achieve promotion next season, but you have to do things in steps.”

Meanwhile, Royals midfielder Aaron Tshibola, 21, is being linked with Celtic and Aston Villa.

Hull City are also thought to be tracking Oliver Norwood, currently with Northern Ireland in Euro 2016.