READING FC boss Jaap Stam has told the club’s Thai owners not to expect instant success.

Stam was brought in to replace Brian McDermott, who was sacked in May after a mere 161 days in charge.

But Stam, who signed a two-year deal with the option of a third, believes he may need more time in order to make his mark at Madejski Stadium.

The 43-year-old Dutchman told the Reading Chronicle: “As a player and a manager you want instant success. You want to win every game, even on the training pitch.

“You need patience as well. Players may need to adjust to playing a certain way and grow into it so they become confident.

“We are building the team and it may take two or three years to get where we want to be, but it’s hard to say for sure.”

He added: “Sometimes you bring new players in and things happen quickly and the team is playing how you want them to after six months.

“But you need to see how it goes. It’s hard for a manager to say we want to do this or that within two years. I don’t think anybody can say that.”

Stam is facing a tough rebuilding job after Royals released six loan players at the end of last season and allowed Wales’ Euro 2016 star Hal Robson-Kanu, Anton Ferdinand and Simon Cox to leave on free transfers.

In addition, the club’s Thai owners have gone against Stam’s wishes and have agreed a £5million fee with Aston Villa for classy 21-year-old midfielder Aaron Tshibola.

And Peru international Paolo Hurtado is expected to leave Royals in the next few weeks after failing to settle in England.

Reading have added three new faces to their squad this summer with Dutch duo Joey van den Berg and Danzell Gravenberch now on board, along with French striker, Joseph Mendes.

Mendes, 25, is poised to sign a two-year contract at Madejski Stadium and will join Stam and his squad on a pre-season trip to Holland on Monday.

The Chronicle also understand Royals are attempting to sign winger Ola John on a permanent deal from Benfica after he impressed on loan at Madejski Stadium last season.

“We are very encouraged with the squad,” explained Stam. “We still have a number of international players to come back so I am very happy.

“Of course, you are always looking at what you can do as a manager and maybe bring in that extra bit of quality in order to do well in the league.”

One area Stam admits needs strengthening is up front following the summer departure of forwards Matej Vydra, Robson-Kanu and Cox, while Nick Blackman was also sold to Derby County for £4 million in January while he was the club’s top scorer.

It is thought Reading missed out on free agent Anthony Koura, 23, who opted to remain in France and join Nancy after leaving Nimes last season.

Tim Matavz, who plays for German side Augsburg, is another target.

“We brought in two new players in Joey and Danzell and with everyone still here at the moment, the midfield is looking good,” explained Stam.

“We have some quality strikers in Yann Kermorgant and Deniss Rakels. We also have Garath McCleary coming back as well as a few other players who can fill in that position.

“But up front we are still looking for players.”

In news that will delight Royals supporters, Stam also confirmed Academy graduate Dominic Samuel has a strong chance of being involved in the first team next season.

Samuel is likely to be in the squad this Saturday when Royals travel to Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park for their first pre-season fixture (3pm ko).

“Dom is training with us,” confirmed Stam. “I’ve heard Reading fans want to see him play so we will see. He’ll be performing in pre-season then we will make a decision.”