Becky Jane, a former Reading defender and coach, has criticised owner Dai Yongge and’senior personnel’ for dropping the women’s squad to amateur levels due to a lack of financing. Jane, who arrived in Berkshire 13 years ago, made over a century of appearances for the team, helping it achieve promotion to the Women’s Super League and establish itself as a force in the league.
Opting to join Liverpool in 2019, the former England youth international returned in 2022 and has subsequently taken on a teaching position while still playing.
Jane was one of those laid off after the team plummeted to tier five, and she has gone after more than a decade of service.
Announcing her departure
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51931457/beck.0.0.png)
On social media, the 32-year-old blasted Yongge and other’senior personnel’ for leaving a ‘big hole for women’s and girls football in Berkshire.’ “Last day at Reading Women today before serving redundancy,” she posted on X [previously Twitter].
“Since joining the club in 2011, I’ve had the privilege of playing with some of the finest, working with such hardworking, knowledgeable personnel, and coaching some really bright young players, whom I wish the best of luck in their future careers.
“Hopefully, one day, the club’s owner and top personnel will recognise the value of equality and the importance of a women’s team, not only to the club, but to the larger community and all young girls wanting to achieve their aspirations.
“A huge hole may now exist for women’s and girls football in Berkshire and I hope this won’t last forever.”
13 first-team players left at the end of the season, but the team managed to stay in the Championship for the playing season.
Leave a Reply