Reading have announced that Kelly Chambers will depart the club following their relegation from Women’s Super League.
Chambers first took charge of Reading in 2012 and immediately led them to the second-tier that season, before she guided them to promotion from Women’s Super League 2 to the Women’s Super League (WSL) in 2015.
The Royals subsequently have spent the last seven years in the WSL but were relegated on the final day of last season following a 3-0 defeat at home to eventual champions – Chelsea, which led the club to go part-time ahead of their return to the second-tier (rebranded as Women’s Championship).
Chambers consequently held discussions with the club’s board and iterated ‘her intention to now pursue new opportunities.’
Following confirmation of her departure, Reading paid tribute to Chambers in which they described her as “a valued and dedicated member” of the team in her role as Director of Women’s Football and First Team Manager who has been “a pioneer” in the sport.
Club officials proceeded to admit that Reading had “been punching well above their weight under Chambers – competing with clubs with bigger budgets, broader resources and the financial backing of clubs with Premier League revenue streams.”
The club went on to acknowledge that Chambers and her players had faced tough opposition this season in the WSL, with all 11 of their rival teams affiliated to Premier League clubs whereas their men’s equivalent were relegated from the Championship to League One.
Club bosses eventually iterated that Chambers’ “remarkable contribution” to Reading’s success over the last decade “should not be underestimated or understated, nor should her love for the game or her club.”
A decision on Reading Women’s new manager will be made in due course.
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