Emma Mitchell re-signs as a Royal

Reading FC Women are thrilled to announce the re-signing of experienced full-back Emma Mitchell on a one year deal, following a period of time away from football as she gave birth to her baby girl Innes Mukandi on 15^th November 2021.

The Scottish international first arrived in Berkshire back in July 2020, following spells at Glasgow City, German side SGS Essen and WSL outfit Arsenal, whilst also representing Scotland.

During the 2021-21 campaign, Mitchell was a regular feature in Chambers’ Royals, starting 17 times out of a possible 21 games in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Mitchell returned with the squad for their first day in pre-season training on Tuesday 19^th July, on the return she had this to say,  “I’ve known for a few weeks now that I'm coming back, and yesterday being on the pitch for the first time with the girls was probably a mixture of emotions.

“It was the first day that I left Innes at the nursery and wasn't really sure how she was going to be, but she settled really well which was really good and, you know, it's almost like coming here, you get a little bit of a break. Like you can just switch off a little bit after being a Mum 24/7 for 8 months straight, but not that I’m complaining as it’s been brilliant.

“So it was really nice to be able to be back, and get back on the pitch with the girls."

“I'm so glad that I took the time and spent time to enjoy the whole experience of being a new Mum, because I feel like if I rushed back, I would have missed so much, and you never get that time back.

“But I think right now, we're probably both ready for the next chapter, I'm excited, I feel like refreshed and, I'm really looking forward to the season.

“Obviously I’ve not played for over a year now, April of 2021 being my last game, so I know it will be a gradual process to get back to full match fitness.

“Despite this, my goals have always been the same, working hard for the time and achieving the best we can with both Reading and Scotland.”