Reading FC Women have announced that Pedro Bruno will take over duties as the team’s new first-team manager.
The announcement comes without the club ever announcing the departure of previous boss Liam Gilbert, who took over from Kelly Chambers last season and managed the Royals to a 10th placed finish in the Women’s Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.
The Royals will not contest in the Championship next season and have instead dropped down to Tier 5 of the football pyramid to play in the Southern Region Women’s Premier Division due to a lack of funding.
The new boss has previously had roles at Cambridge United and was assistant coach with the Reading U16s last season.
New manager Bruno said: “I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity to prove myself as a coach and manager. I believe there is no better place to do this than Reading.
“I know I need to prove myself and test my limits to see how far I can go, and make a real success not just for me, but for everyone connected to this club.
“Having spoken with Emma, I understand the desire and ambitions to rebuild and achieve greatness again. It is going to be a challenge, but I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t.
“I don’t thrive on easy challenges, so I cannot wait to get started and I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”
