Reading FC, Maidenhead United and Woodley United facing manager searches as women’s team bosses depart

Three of Berkshire’s most senior women’s sides are beginning manager searches after vacancies were confirmed at Maidenhead United, Reading FC and Woodley United.

Football in Berkshire has reported on Marc Surtees departure from Woodley – he was the areas longest serving manager in the women’s game and his departure has not been without some controversy.

The Kestrels finished mid-table last season after a third-place finish in 2023/24 and are mainstays of the Southern Region Women’s Football League.

Reading FC Women meanwhile confirmed the departure of manager Pedro Bruno and assistant Shelley Strange after one season in the dugout.

A statement released said: “Reading FC Women can confirm the departure of manager Pedro Bruno and assistant, Shelley Strange. We would like to thank them both for their hard work and dedication during a season filled with challenges and uncertainties. We extend our heartfelt wishes to Pedro and Shelley for success in their future endeavours.”

New Reading FC chairman Rob Couhig recently stated his aim to support the women’s side. Whether this has had any bearing on the managerial change is yet to be confirmed.

The departing manager Bruno wrote on social media: “My time as First Team Manager of Reading FC Women has come to an end. Thank you to the players, staff and fans for your belief and continuous support — it’s meant everything. I’ll always be proud of what we built together. Reading will always have a place in my heart.”

The county’s highest-ranked women’s side – Maidenhead United – are also looking for a new manager after Ed Jackson-Norris announced his departure after three seasons leading the Magpies.

Jackson-Norris lead Maidenhead to two cup triumphs, the Berks & Bucks County FA Cup and the Combined Counties League Women’s Cup during his time in charge.

In a statement released by the club, there was huge praise for Jackson-Norris’ work developing the women’s game at Maidenhead: “During his time with the club, Jackson-Norris has played a pivotal role in the formation of a development team for women’s football in Maidenhead, while also playing a significant role in the formation of our MUFC Performance and Coach Development programmes over the past 18 months.”