Reading FC

The Royals have a big season ahead of them with the likelihood of becoming the first WSL side to share the main club ground for the majority of their home games, Madejski Stadium. Manager Kelly Chambers heads into her 6^th year as the Reading manager and will be looking to improve on last season’s 5^th placed finish with a challenge for the top four.

Over the summer, it’s been a busy time for the Berkshire side with the arrivals of New Zealand international goalkeeper Erin Nayler from Bordeaux, Emma Mitchell and Danielle Carter from Arsenal, Deanna Cooper from current champions, Chelsea and Welsh super star Jess Fishlock on loan from OL Reign.

Reading had a number of departures during the closing of last season with Jade Moore heading off to Orlando Pride and Lisa-Marie Karlsberg Utland heading for Rosenborg. Rakel Honnudottir, Jo Potter, Remi Allen, Charlie Estcourt, Maz Pacheco, Sophie Howard, Rachael Laws, Maxime Bennink and Millie Farrow also moved on to pastures new, leaving Reading with a thin squad number wise.

Therefore, it could be a big season for several young Royals with Lily Woodham returning from a loan spell with Charlton Athletic and fellow defender Kiera Skeels returning from injury. 17-year-old Bethan Roberts has also been playing a part in pre-season training while the Royals will be boosted by the return from injury for captain Natasha Harding and long-serving players, Molly Bartrip and Lauren Bruton, the latter who missed the whole of the 2019/20 campaign.

New signing Danielle Carter will look to make her mark with Reading after herself returning from long-term injury. She faces competition up front from Amalie Eikeland and Brooke Chaplen who managed five WSL goals between them last season. There will also be an interesting battle for the number one shirt with Grace Moloney facing competition from new arrival Erin Nayler.

Reading start the campaign with a tough fixture away at Arsenal before welcoming WSL newcomers, Aston Villa to the Madejski Stadium.

Below we take a look at three players that could prove crucial in Reading’s quest for a top four finish:

Star of the Show: Fara Williams – MF – £50,000 – 161 points during the 2019/20 campaign

England’s most capped player, Fara Williams is the heart of the Reading side. The set piece taker for the Royals, Williams recorded the highest ShePlays total for the Berkshire side during the 2019/20 campaign from central midfield. The 36-year-old can either anchor the midfield or as proven last year feature as the furthest forward of the midfield. She was the Royals highest scorer last season with five WSL strikes, being the only remaining Reading player to start every game last season. At £50,000, Williams will be considered as a differential midfielder away from the top three sides.

New Arrival: Jess Fishlock – MF – £60,000

Reading made a statement of intent this summer with a host of impressive signings. The additions of Mitchell, Carter and Cooper caught the eye but undoubtedly, double Champions League winner and Welsh super star, Jess Fishlock was the pick of the bunch. The 33-year-old joins the Royals on loan from OL Reign and will complete the possibility of the Royals naming an all Welsh midfield. The signing of Fishlock also gives the aptly nicknamed Royals another unique factor; they can name two MBE’s in midfield! At £60,000, Fishlock becomes the premium player at Reading but managers will surely take the hit for Wales’ most capped player.

Kid on the Block: Lily Woodham – DF – £15,000 – 19 years old

The 19-year-old defender spent the 2019/20 season on loan with Championship side Charlton Athletic. After a successful loan spell, the former Bristol City player has returned to the Royals and has played a part in pre-season. With previous WSL experience during both the 2017/18 and 2018/19 campaign, Woodham will look to break back into the Reading line-up. With the Royals small squad, Woodham along with fellow youngster Kiera Skeels are the two out and out defenders after the likely starting four. She can also be utilised in midfield by the Royals registering her first senior goal while with Charlton last season. At a price of £15,000, Woodham is likely to start on the bench this year and could be used sporadically by the Royals.

Learn more about Woodham’s career so far here

To learn more about Reading, their players and to view player prices; visit the Reading team page here