Former Reading FC Women’s manager Kelly Cousins (nee Chambers) has reacted to the news that the women’s team will drop down the football pyramid and the women’s academy will close.
A late failed takeover bid, separate to the men’s team, broke down which means the women’s team will not be able to compete in the Championship from next season.
Chambers spent almost two decades connected with the club and was Women’s first-team manager from 2015-2023.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, she said: “I actually don’t know what to say anymore. We can all fight from the outside but unfortunately there has to be people higher up in the club that want to fight too. How one person can destroy a club layer by layer is mind blowing. Feel so sorry for everyone. 17 years down the drain.”
Former Reading FC Women’s captain Fara Williams added: “This is devastating for all involved. I spent some of my best years at this club, both as a player and the girls RTC coach. It’s shocking that it’s come to this.. I feel for all the players and staff affected by this decision.”
Another former Royals player, Remi Allen, said: “Gutted and angry are just a few words that spring to mind! Players and staff deserve so much better. Had some of the best playing years of my career at this club, I just cannot believe it ends this way.”
