ROYALS SWITCH TO PART-TIME MODEL AFTER RELEGATION

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FOOTBALL has confirmed that the senior women’s team will be switching to a part-time basis after they were relegated from the Women’s Super League.

After eight years in the top flight, the Royals suffered the drop after finishing bottom of the WSL with 11 points from their 22 game campaign. A statement released by the club explained that club owner Dai Yongge has been personally funding the women’s team since he took over at the club in 2018.

The statement reads: “Owner Dai Yongge has been personally funding the Reading FC Women’s side since he took charge of the club in 2018 –investing approximately £6m across that five-year period to keep the team operating at the very highest level.

“Following defeat at home to

Chelsea in our final league game of the campaign, Kelly Chambers’ side were relegated from the Women’s Super League last month, dropping into the second tier of the women’s game for the first time since 2015.

“We recognise that the women’s game is making huge progress. However, despite seeing a considerable spike in interest following the success of England’s women in the Euros last summer, an increased average gate for Reading FC Women and a boost in sponsorship and broadcast revenue earned.

“As a result, our owner still needed to provide just under £1m to finance Reading FC Women in 2022-23. In addition, relegation to the WSL Championship will result in a significant drop in broadcast fees and central funding from the FA.”

The club has claimed that they are seeking ways to a more sustainable model for the women’s side.

CEO Dayong Pang added: “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.

Three of the season, while the DTs also brought silverware to Old Bath Road having battled past Phoenix 27-0 on the last day of the season, Harrison Stanners was the Tackling Trophy champion for the Three South winners, with brilliant back row Bleddyn Parry named Players’ Player and Robin Taylor taking the Coaches’ gong.

The Horde (fifth XV) Tackling Trophy was presented to Blake Raymond, while other silverware on the night went to the returning Tom George, an ex-Mini who returned to the game as a class fly-half/full-back (Progression Award) and long-term stalwart Graham Oakley (Best Veteran).

Duda, a Berkshire Under 18 in 2022, was picked as the Best Newcomer and was also highlighted by Chairman Andy Lynch as a player to keep an eye on when he appeared on the Rugby Ramble Podcast last week.

Three long-serving stars who played a key part in the double title-success, Alex Griffiths, Matt Rose and Chris Kessell, were all presented with their Honours Caps following their superb contributions to the club.

“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.

“Our owner, 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.”

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