Royals defender, Deanna Cooper, spoke of the positive steps being made at training as the squad is devoted to giving back to the fans after last season’s disappointment.

With one pre-season game in the bank, and another coming this weekend away at Lewes, Cooper feels the squad will be in a great position come the first game of the season on Sunday 27^th August away at Crystal Palace.

“We’ve had a good first experience, getting back out onto the pitch, with new instructions, new way of playing, new teammates – there’s been a lot of change, so it’s important for us as players to concentrate on what we do and get ready for the new season.

“I think despite it being only our first game, there were plenty of positives, a lot of the things we worked on over the last month or so were evident to see.

“The girls who had recently arrived at the club have blended in really well, and then even the U21s who have made the step up over the summer training with us, their performances were of real quality.

“Even with all the changes in personnel, the players that we have here now is brilliant. The relationships we’ve all managed to build between one another has been so strong, and it’s been important during this difficult chapter of the club.

“Obviously the relegation, it’s the first time the club has been in the league for 8 or so years now, and we’re all desperate to get back to the WSL this year, but we know it won’t be easy.

“We’re also looking forward to being back amongst our fans. As difficult as it has been for us [players & staff], we know the fans suffered a lot last season too.

“But we believe this year we can bring a lot of joy, put in performances the supporters can get behind, play out a campaign that will excite the fans and get them wanting to keep coming back for me.”

With just over three weeks to go until Reading play their first home game at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, Saturday 2^nd September 5.15pm kick-off, and we’d love you to be there!

Season Tickets are still on sale, with prices starting from £35 costing just £3.18 per game. You can find more information on our season tickets below...

Cooper: “We’ll be ready to deliver a campaign to excite the fans.”