Jaap Stam claims he turned down summer approach from Newcastle United
Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has claimed he was approached by Newcastle United in the summer.
The Dutchman says he rejected Newcastle – who eventually appointed another ex-Red Devil, Steve Bruce – as he had already agreed to take over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Feyenoord instead.
Why did Stam turn down Newcastle? Five things to know…
- Stam has claimed he was approached by Newcastle in the summer.
- But the former Reading boss says he had already agreed to join Feyenoord.
- After a short spell with PEC Zwolle, Stam took over at Feyenoord at the beginning of the season.
- They currently sit 10th in the Eredevisie.
- Meanwhile, Newcastle are 18th in the Premier League with Steve Bruce at the wheel.
Stam, who made 127 appearances for Manchester United during his playing career, has managed in England in the past, leading Reading to a Championship play-off final in the 2016/17 season.
He was eventually sacked and returned to his native Holland with PEC Zwolle last year before taking over at Feyenoord.
And Stam has now said that he was offered the chance to go back to England in the summer.
“Newcastle United called me a few days after I signed my contract at Feyenoord,” he said.
“So it wasn’t an option straight away. I’m a man of my word.
“It was beautiful and honourable, because people in England apparently know what I stand for as a trainer.”
Since Stam’s comments emerged, the Chronicle has subsequently reported that Newcastle United have refuted the Dutchman’s claims.
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How have Stam and Bruce started at their new clubs?
Stam has made a mixed start to life at Feyenoord. They currently sit 10th in the Eredivisie having won just three of their opening 10 matches.
However, they have only lost two of those 10 games despite failing to keep it tight at the back, conceding 19 goals so far this term.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are in the relegation zone in the Premier League but Bruce’s two league victories have come in impressive fashion against Tottenham and Manchester United.
Expectations are high at both Feyenoord and Newcastle, so improvement will be expected from both Stam and Bruce.
