Fears have grown among Reading fans that the club’s women’s set-up could cease to exist amid financial concerns and a protracted takeover saga. Desperate fans have set up a billboard campaign in Reading city center to save the women’s team after reports about their future. There are concerns that the women’s team may drop into the fourth tier due to the club’s financial state. The club has warned parents, staff, and players in the girls’ academy that age-group teams may not operate next season as a cost-cutting measure.
Reading staff were reportedly asked to adjust training plans to save costs, such as avoiding paying for undersoil heating. The English Football League has called for the club’s owner, Chinese businessman Dai Yongge, to fund or sell the club due to a “clear disregard” for his duties. However, the club remains embroiled in a long takeover saga, with Yongge reportedly seeking to complete a sale at the earliest opportunity. The men’s team fans previously protested against Yongge’s ownership by dressing up as clowns, and a fan group called Sell Before We Dai has initiated a campaign to raise awareness of the situation and save the women’s team.
Reading Women narrowly avoided relegation last season, operating on a part-time basis after dropping from the Women’s Super League. The team has faced challenges with senior players and the manager leaving, and uncertainty looms over the future. Wales international and Reading midfielder, Charlie Estcourt, highlighted the lack of communication from the club regarding the team’s future. Players discovered through media reports that the club had no intention of buying pre-season kits, adding to the uncertainty and pushing players to explore other options with limited time before the new season.
The wider implications of neglecting the women’s team have been stressed by the fan group, emphasizing that supporting the women’s team is not just about football but also about community pride and gender equality. The group called for Yongge to sell the club to secure a sustainable future, reflecting on the women’s team’s contribution to the club’s identity and reputation. There are concerns that if the women’s team is dismantled, it could lead to similar consequences for the academy and men’s team. The campaign aims to preserve the heritage of the club and ensure the continued involvement of the women’s team as an integral part of Reading FC.
The ongoing financial crisis at Reading has prompted fans to take action to safeguard the women’s team and protect the club’s heritage. The billboard campaign organized by Sell Before We Dai seeks to raise awareness of the women’s team’s plight and the broader impact that neglecting them could have on the club. The fan group’s efforts underscore the importance of gender equality and community pride in supporting the women’s team. With uncertainties surrounding the club’s future and ownership, fans, players, and staff are rallying to ensure the women’s team’s survival and secure a sustainable future for Reading FC. The situation reflects the challenges faced by many lower-league clubs in navigating financial difficulties and emphasizing the significance of women’s football within the wider football community.
