Fears are mounting that Reading’s women’s team may not be able to compete in the Women’s Championship next season because of financial concerns.
The Guardian has learned that discussions are ongoing at Reading regarding the possibility of the team dropping down to a lower tier of the women’s pyramid in order to cut costs, amid uncertainty over a protracted takeover of the club. The Football Association is also understood to be working with Reading’s women’s team to try and find a solution.
Additionally, Reading’s girls’ academy staff, players and parents have been warned that women’s age-group teams may no longer be able to operate next season, while the whole club waits agonisingly for news on a potential takeover. Earlier this month, parents received communication advising them there were no guarantees of a team for their child next season.
In terms of the senior team, it is understood Reading held options on the contracts of several first-team women’s players in the club’s favour but, by late May, had informed those players that they would not be exercising the options in those contracts amid a freeze on spending.
Separate sources have said they believe as few as two senior women’s players are currently contracted for next season. Those close to the team say staff are in “limbo” and have been left in the dark regarding their futures as they await clarity on funding.
Because so many other academies have already held their trials dates or have full squads the potential folding of the youth teams at Reading could well leave young players there without a team for next season. Reading’s under-21s enjoyed a strong season and, in March, they beat third-tier Milton Keynes Dons to win the Berks & Bucks Cup.
Reading have a proud record in women’s football in the modern era, punching above their weight to finish fourth in the top flight in 2018 and secure back-to-back fifth-placed finishes in 2019 and 2020. They were also FA Cup semi-finalists in 2019 and have helped bring through stars such as England forward Fran Kirby.
Reading were competing in the Women’s Super League as recently as May 2023 but reverted to part-time status 12 months ago after their relegation from the WSL on the final day of the 2022-23 campaign. Reading then finished 10th in the Women’s Championship last season, one place and six points above the relegation zone. Lewes, in 11th, and Watford, in 12th, were relegated. Reading’s men’s team finished 17th in League One, avoiding relegation despite being deducted six points for multiple financial breaches.
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Reading did not wish to comment when contacted for a response, but in a statement issued on 5 June, the club said owner Dai Yongge was aiming to complete a sale at the “earliest opportunity”.
Source: theguardian.com
