'Don't let this happen' Former Reading boss on 'horrific' fears for women's team

Former Reading Women manager and captain Kelly Cousins has labelled the rumoured future of the team 'horrific' and has implored staff to 'not let this happen.'

Chambers, born and raised in the town, spent five years captaining the Royals and another decade managing the team to unprecedented success.

Finishing in the top five of the WSL for three successive seasons and reaching an FA Cup semi-final, the Royals were among the best women's teams in the country until recently.

As a result of the negligent ownership under Dai Yongge, Reading were relegated out of the WSL in 2023 and demoted to a semi-professional model in the Championship.

READ MORE: Fears that Reading Women could be demoted due to ownership

Surviving by six points in the second tier, there are reports that the club will drop out of the Championship and could drop out of existence altogether as a result of budget cuts under Yongge.

Any hope of a renaissance relies on a change of ownership, which has taken 12 months and has progressed little.

Reacting to the news on social media, Cousins commented: "This breaks my heart! A club that has a great history in women’s game & produced so many amazing players. It’s been a tough few years but this is horrific!!

"Something needs to be done! NOW! Someone has to stand up for this group! For those at the club… DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN!!!"