Kelly Chambers, has made the difficult decision to part ways with WSL Team Reading FC after 20 years

Kelly Chambers, affectionately known as 'Mrs. Reading,' leaves Reading Fc after 20 years of service

After 20 years of dedicated service, Kelly Chambers, affectionately known as 'Mrs. Reading,' has made the difficult decision to part ways with Reading FA Women's Super League (WSL) as both the manager and director of football.

This decision comes in the wake of the club's relegation from the WSL, prompting Chambers to seek new opportunities elsewhere.

Kelly Chambers on the sideline against WSL Arsenal

Having once been a player herself, Chambers captained Reading until her career was cut short due to injury in 2012. This setback led her to a new path within the club, where she eventually became the Director of Women's Football. Her contributions as a valued member of the senior management team have been widely recognized.

The departure of Chambers may not come as a surprise, considering Reading's challenging season in the league. Throughout the campaign, they managed only 3 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses in their home games, while their away form resulted in 11 losses. These results placed them at the bottom of the WSL table. Their relegation was confirmed following a 3-0 defeat against WSL champions Chelsea.

Kelly Chambers Showing Support and Empathy to Her Players on a Touching Day

Chambers took charge of the Royals in 2012 and successfully guided the team from the lower tiers of women's football to the FA WSL in 2015. They remained in the top flight for the following eight seasons. Under Chambers' leadership, Reading achieved a notable fourth-place finish in the FA Women's Super League in 2018, trailing behind powerhouses Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City. The team also made an appearance in the Women's FA Cup Semi-Finals during her tenure.

It is important to acknowledge Chambers' achievement in sustaining Reading's women's team at an elite level, consistently competing against clubs with larger budgets, greater resources, and the financial backing of Premier League revenue streams.

Recently, the club announced that the women's team will operate on a semi-professional basis starting from the next season. With Chambers' departure, Reading will soon begin the search for a new manager for the women's team, as her role becomes vacant and is advertised to find a suitable replacement.