READING FC boss Jaap Stam covered a host of topics at today’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s Championship clash against Bristol City.

Stam spoke in detail about the work that went into the summer transfer window, the players he signed and those he missed out on.

He also looked ahead to this weekend’s Madejski Stadium clash which comes after a fortnight’s international break.

  • Stam on the transfer window, which saw seven new players arrive including Sone Aluko from Fulham for a club record fee:

“We are very happy with the owners, the fact they made the squad stronger and where they want to take the club.

“We brought players in who cost money, but the amount the papers said they paid for Aluko (£7.5m) wasn’t the truth, it was less than that.

“But in terms of what they want to do for the club, it’s very promising.

Reading Chronicle:

Sone Aluko joined Reading for a club-record fee.

“When we started here last summer we said we wanted to achieve something and maybe go to the Premier League eventually. That’s our intention, that’s what I want to do and what the owners want to do, they really go for it.”

“We still can’t do the same as some other clubs in terms of investing in players and paying certain amounts, though maybe we will go there in years to come.

“But as a first transfer market for the news owners, I think they have done very well and I am very happy.”

  • Stam on missing out on Norwich City striker Nelson Oliveira following rumours of a failed £9m bid:

“We want players who make our squad better. To be honest Oliveira wasn’t the type of player who would be very good for us, but he was just too expensive.”

  • Stam on Saturday’s clash with Bristol City, with Reading unbeaten at home in 13 matches including last season’s play-offs, with 10 wins and three draws:

“It’s a shame the Barnsley game next Tuesday was moved, we would rather play that game now as well.

“But to play at home on Saturday in front of our own fans gives us a good feeling.

“We feel comfortable playing at home but, we are playing a very good Bristol City team.

“We can’t think that because we’re on a winning streak at home that it will be easy, it won’t.

“Bristol City have also made a few changes and they are playing well.

“We still need to give everything to get a result. We are not in a position to think we are going to beat every team that comes to the Madejski Stadium.

“We need to work hard and dig deep starting this Saturday.”

  • Stam on injuries, with Jordan Obita in contention for Saturday and both Yann Kermorgant and John Swift nearing a return:

“Jordan is getting back to match fitness, he trained with the squad today and he’s looking very good.

“Yann will be a couple of weeks. Everything went well after the operation and he feels okay.

Reading Chronicle:

Yann Kermorgant is close to a return to fitness following hip and groin surgery over the summer.

“It may take a while to get match fitness because he hasn’t been playing a lot.

“Running outside is a little bit different to playing games so it will be another couple of weeks.

“The physios are very positive about Swifty. He’ll join in with the group the end of this week so it’s very promising.”