Headings:
1. Reading Women’s Team Faces Mass Exodus Following Relegation
2. Financial Woes Deepen as Reading Women’s Team Goes Part-Time
3. Key Players Depart Reading Women’s Team After Relegation
4. Departures Include International Stars and Senior Squad Members
5. Young Talent Expresses Disappointment Over Relegation
6. Club Describes Situation as Challenging Period for the Team
7. Winding-Up Petition and Unpaid Tax Bills Add to Reading’s Troubles
Reading Women’s Team Faces Mass Exodus Following Relegation
Reading Football Club’s women’s team is experiencing a mass exodus of players following their relegation from the Women’s Super League (WSL). The club’s financial troubles have deepened, leading to the release of thirteen players, including six internationals, whose contracts have expired.
Financial Woes Deepen as Reading Women’s Team Goes Part-Time
Just three weeks after their relegation to the Women’s Championship, Royals CEO Dayong Pang announced that the team would be transitioning to a part-time status. This decision has resulted in a major squad overhaul, with the departure of thirteen senior players.
Key Players Depart Reading Women’s Team After Relegation
Among the players released by Reading are key figures such as Belgium midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet. The departures also include goalkeeper Grace Moloney, highly-rated forward Deanne Rose, and striker Amalie Eikeland, who recently celebrated her 100th appearance for the Royals.
Departures Include International Stars and Senior Squad Members
The majority of players leaving the struggling club were members of Reading’s senior women’s squad, which was managed by Kelly Chambers before her departure earlier this month. Notably, three players set to represent their respective countries at the upcoming Women’s World Cup are also leaving: Grace Moloney for the Republic of Ireland, Deanne Rose for Canada, and Amalie Eikeland for Norway.
Young Talent Expresses Disappointment Over Relegation
Emma Harries, a 21-year-old forward who joined Reading’s academy at the age of eight, expressed her disappointment over the team’s relegation. In a tweet, she described it as a “sad day for women’s football” and expressed her belief that the club staff “deserved so much better.”
Club Describes Situation as Challenging Period for the Team
In a written statement, Reading Football Club acknowledged the challenging period the team is going through, marked by the disappointment of relegation to the Barclays Women’s Championship. The club stated that they had issued new contract offers, but due to operating as a part-time program in the second tier of women’s football, they faced constraints.
Winding-Up Petition and Unpaid Tax Bills Add to Reading’s Troubles
Adding to Reading’s troubles, the majority of the women’s squad departing comes just two days after the club was served with a winding-up petition by HMRC. This petition is believed to be related to unpaid tax bills. Additionally, the club has been charged by the EFL for failing to pay their men’s team players on time and in full on three occasions last season.
In conclusion, Reading Football Club’s women’s team is facing significant challenges following their relegation from the Women’s Super League. The mass exodus of players, including international stars and senior squad members, highlights the financial difficulties the club is currently experiencing. The departure of key players and the winding-up petition served by HMRC further compound Reading’s troubles. It remains to be seen how the club will navigate these challenges and rebuild their squad for the upcoming season in the Women’s Championship.