Reading FC Women’s vice captain Charlie Estcourt has opened up on the jeopardy facing the club and the ‘poor communication’ over their future.
Reports have circulated that the future of the women’s team is in doubt due to financial concerns and the ongoing takeover situation at the club that has yet to be resolved.
Speaking on BBC Radio Berkshire, Estcourt said: “We are all asking ourselves the same thing, we haven’t heard too much directly from the club, but have seen what everyone else has seen.
“It doesn’t sound good. No kits being ordered for the women’s pre-season, threats of us dropping down to tier four or there not being a side at all, so it’s worrying times.
“There had been whispers about it for a while but I had never really taken them seriously and didn’t think there was any substance behind the rumours.
“But as the off season has gone on we haven’t heard anything and with a couple of weeks left on people’s contracts, it feels as if it’s becoming very real.
“As far as I know, no one knows anything but we haven’t heard from our staff so I don’t know whether that means they haven’t heard from anyone at the club.
“The communication from all levels unfortunately has been very poor.”
With costs being cut throughout the club under the ownership of Dai Yongge who remains in charge until a takeover is completed, Estcourt admitted that it is worrying times for all at the club.
She continued: “I don’t think the current owner is interested in helping the women’s side or continuing on.
“I think he sees it as a financial burden and from the looks of things all season has been trying to cut costs and it seems the women’s is another part of the club he is doing that with.
“As far as I know, if the women’s side ceases to exist that will be the whole set-up academy and the under 21s programme which will be devastating for everyone at the club
“It’s not only the hundreds of girls but also the staff. It’s a lot of people that this affects.
“As the season approaches and there is no news, it feels even if there is a new owner that comes in, the likelihood of that being in the next month is slim and if that did happen then unfortunately the women are the bottom of the priority list. We understand, that’s how football clubs run things.
“By the time they get to the women to make decisions, it would be too late.
“One of the most disappointing things in the whole situation is that we’ve been left completely in the dark. It’s people’s livelihoods, it’s their jobs.
“I thought we would be treated a lot better by the club. The women’s side has such an amazing history in women’s football and has overachieved and over produced.
“The way it has been handled is disrespectful and is not ok.
“Even before the WSL (Women’s Super League) existed, Reading Women were always in the top flight and competing high up in the league. Have always had an amazing academy programme brining players through, much like the men do.
“To think that could all be gone in the blink of an eye is hard to believe.
“We (the players) are supporting each other as best we can, but it’s hard when we don’t know anything.”
