One of our own rejoins
Reading FC Women are delighted to announce the permanent signing of Rachel Dugdale, formerly known as Newborough, who signs for the club from Coventry United.
Rachel’s journey began at a young age, when she joined the club’s talented youth academy, representing the Royals at the same time as another of our summer signings, Charlie Estcourt.
Now, after a number of years of honing her skills in England's top two divisions, we’re thrilled to have Rachel back in blue and white as Liam Gilbert continues preparations for Sunday’s Barclays Championship opener.
Dugdale’s performances in the academy captured the eyes of many, as she secured a move to WSL side Doncaster Rovers Belles between 2016-2018 making 18 appearances. Described as a committed defender, who gives 100% for the team, she was an ever-present figure in the Belles’ team that secured the WSL title in the 2017-18 season.
The following season, the Northern Irish defender seeked a new challenge with Charlton Athletic, who resided in the second tier as she went on to represent The Addicks for three-and-a-half years. After two years with the club, Dugdale was offered a professional contract after the Owner, Thomas Sandgaard, turned the club professional.
In January 2023, Rachel departed Charlton Athletic on mutual consent, and signed for Coventry United on a short term deal as she tried to help the side come away from the bottom of the Championship table. At the end of the season, though, the Warwickshire club were unable to close the gap on the teams above as they were relegated to the third tier.
As well as gaining plenty of experience in the top two divisions of women’s football, Dugdale has also capped her country, Northern Ireland, on 18 occasions lining up next to current Royals Lauren Wade and Jackie Burns.
Upon her return, Rachel Dugdale said “I'm really excited to be here, obviously really proud to be able to come back to my hometown again, being at a club that means so much to be personally.
"It's an exciting time to be at the club, made even better with the start of the season just around the corner, and getting straight down to business.
"Despite the changes in the summer, the club have managed to retain a lot of really high quality players. So we definitely want to be competitive right at the top of the league. And personally, to try and get as many minutes across the season, and help in any way I can to make this year a successful one."
Welcome to Reading FC Women, Rachel.