The 2020–21 Reading F.C. Women season was the club’s fourth consecutive campaign in the FA Women's Super League (WSL), the top tier of English women's football. The season ran from September 2020 to May 2021 and was contested alongside the FA Cup and the FA Women’s League Cup. Reading finished the league in 11th place, resulting in relegation to the FA Women’s Championship for the 2021–22 season.
Background
Reading F.C. Women, based in Reading, Berkshire, were founded in 2006 and have competed in the WSL since their promotion at the end of the 2015 season. The 2020–21 season took place amid the ongoing COVID‑19 pandemic, which caused disruptions to the calendar, limited spectator attendance, and imposed strict health protocols.
Management and Coaching Staff
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Head Coach: Kelly Chambers continued as head coach for the 2020–21 season. She had been appointed permanently in July 2018 after serving as caretaker.
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Assistant Coach: Eoin Hand
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Goalkeeping Coach: Steve Collins
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Technical Director: Glen Harris
At the conclusion of the season, Chambers left the club by mutual consent following relegation.
Squad
A full roster of senior players was registered for the season, comprising a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talent. Notable members included:
| Position | Player | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Rachael Laws | England |
| Defender | Katie Robinson | England |
| Defender | Samantha Kerr (loan) | Australia |
| Midfielder | Niamh Fahey | Republic of Ireland |
| Forward | Maya Le Tissier | England |
(Only a representative selection is shown; the complete squad list is available in the club’s official season documentation.)
Transfers
Incoming
- Megan Bredin (midfielder) – signed from Liverpool (July 2020)
- Samantha Kerr (forward) – loan from Chelsea (January 2021)
Outgoing
- Lucy Quinn (midfielder) – transferred to Birmingham City (July 2020)
- Kristie Mewis (midfielder) – released after contract expiry (June 2021)
(Transfer details are based on publicly announced moves; other minor transactions occurred throughout the season.)
FA Women’s Super League
Reading competed in a 12‑team league, playing each opponent twice for a total of 22 matches.
- Final Position: 11th (relegated)
- Points: 11
- Record: 2 wins, 5 draws, 15 losses
The club’s two victories came against West Ham United (2–1) and Aston Villa (3–1). The side’s defensive record was the second‑worst in the league, conceding 44 goals.
FA Cup
Reading entered the FA Cup in the fourth round proper, as per WSL entry rules.
- Fourth Round: Defeated Bristol City (2–0)
- Fifth Round: Won against Aston Villa (1–0)
- Quarter‑final: Eliminated by Arsenal (0–2)
FA Women’s League Cup
Reading were drawn into Group B of the League Cup, alongside Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa.
- Group Stage Record: 0 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses
- Result: Did not progress to the knockout stage
Player Statistics
| Player | Appearances (WSL) | Goals (WSL) |
|---|---|---|
| Maya Le Tissier | 19 | 4 |
| Niamh Fahey | 18 | 2 |
| Samantha Kerr (loan) | 6 | 1 |
(Only players with notable contributions are listed; full statistical tables are maintained by the FA and the club.)
Season Summary
The 2020–21 campaign was challenging for Reading F.C. Women. Limited squad depth, injuries, and the continued impact of the pandemic affected performance. Despite a late-season run of improved results, the club could not escape the relegation zone. The departure of head coach Kelly Chambers and several senior players marked a period of transition, with the team preparing for competition in the FA Women’s Championship in the subsequent season.
References
- The Football Association. “FA Women’s Super League 2020/21 – Official Table.” FA.com.
- Reading F.C. Women. “Club Announcement – Kelly Chambers Departs.” 30 May 2021.
- BBC Sport. “Reading Women Relegated After 2020‑21 WSL Campaign.” 23 May 2021.
Note: All information presented is based on publicly available, verifiable sources up to the knowledge cut‑off date of June 2024.
