Football in Berkshire’s Women’s Football Correspondent, Abi Ticehurst, joined Ben Thomas and Ross Webber on The Tilehurst End podcast in a Reading Women special episode.
Abi began by taking the TTE duo and listeners through a very brief history of how the team was founded and their rise through the pyramid from its fruition through to the current season.
Next up, a look at the 2022/23 season and pinpointing where things started to unravel for the team ahead of relegation on the final day including Deanne Rose’s injury, player recruitment in the January window plus Emma Mukandi and pregnancy.
Ben also brought up the divisive statement released by Supporters’ Trust at Reading when it was announced the team would be operating as part-time for the 2023/24 season in the Barclays Women’s Championship.
STAR is saddened that Reading FC Women will now operate on a part-time model, with the likelihood of many in the RFC community losing their jobs due to the change.
— Supporters’ Trust At Reading (@STARReading) June 6, 2023
However, we understand the reasoning behind the change, and agree that it is the right decision at this time.
The prospect of what’s next and most important for Reading as we enter the new season was discussed, including a new manager and what calibre of players we could and should expect for the team as well as Brooke Chaplen’s open letter to the fans.
And finally, a little nod to the Women’s World Cup currently taking place in Australia and the landscape of women’s football on the international stage.
Listen to the podcast in full below or wherever you get your podcasts.