Reading Women go part-time following relegation

Reading Women will move to a part-time set-up following their relegation from the Women’s Super League.

Kelly Chambers’ side dropped out of the top flight for the first time since 2015 after being beaten on the final day of the season by Chelsea.

Reading finished bottom of the WSL, five points adrift of safety, which compounded a difficult season for the club which also saw the men’s side relegated from the Championship and has resulted in a further realignment of its finances.

Reading CEO Dayong Pang said: “Difficult but necessary financial decisions are being made across the business following the club’s relegation to League One last season and, after discussions with the FA, the decision to operate Reading FC Women on a part-time basis represents the most viable solution at the present time.

“We would like to acknowledge all of the hard work and unquestionable dedication to Reading Football Club of Kelly Chambers and her coaching staff, the players and all the staff. The club will now be working extremely hard to build a team to proudly represent our town in the WSL Championship in the 2023-24 campaign.

READ ALSOBarcelona edge Wolfsburg to win Women Champions League

“Our owner, Mr Dai Yongge, has his full focus concentrated on our club’s rebuild. He is fully committed to consolidating our efforts into a sensible and sustainable reset, designed to bring success back to RG2.”

A statement from Reading explained how costs across the club have been cut “considerably” in recent years with the men’s first-team wage bill halved since 2019 while owner Dai Yongge has invested approximately £6m into the women’s side since 2018, who have competed against teams funded by Premier League clubs.