FC Cincinnati name former Netherlands star Stam new head coach

WASHINGTON - Former Manchester United and Netherlands star Jaap Stam has been named the new FC Cincinnati manager, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club announced on Thursday.

The 47-year-old took over from fellow Dutchman Ron Jans, who stepped down in the preseason after just six months on the job in the wake of an investigation accusing Jans of making "extremely inappropriate comments".

"We are very happy and pleased to have Jaap Stam become FC Cincinnati's new head coach," FC Cincinnati general manager Gerard Nijkamp said in a statement. "He has an extensive background in being part of some of the most successful clubs in the world as a player and has also proven that he can guide teams through transitionary periods as a head coach."

"I strongly believe that Jaap can lead us through our next phase, to our new stadium, and help us achieve our goals in the future, making players better and bringing his knowledge and experience inside the club. I have full confidence that he will be successful at FC Cincinnati and will be a great fit to carry out our established playing philosophy and guide the club to achieve future successes," Nijkamp said.

Stam, who also played for PSV Eindhoven, Lazio, Milan and Ajax in a storied playing career, arrives in Cincinnati after a short coaching stint at Feyenood that ended with his resignation last October.

"For myself, to get the opportunity to work in America and to work in the MLS for a club like FC Cincinnati, it's a dream," Stam said. "I've always liked the country and I've always liked the mentality of the people in the United States as well."

He previously coached Reading in the English Championship from June 2016 to March 2018, guiding them to the playoffs in his first season.