Last year, I was advised to protect myself and not speak out when Reading WFC’s owners made the decision to self-relegate us. I followed that advice. But after the confirmation that Blackburn is taking the same path, after careful thought, I believe it’s time to speak out.
Not enough attention has been paid to how we can stop this from happening again. I want to protect the women’s game more than I want to protect myself. I hope this message is received as I intend—not as an emotional response to one club, but as a call for football to do better and protect our game.
Did Reading receive enough criticism last year? Did their actions make it acceptable for clubs like Blackburn to simply U-turn on their women’s teams and submit £0 budgets? Could they be encouraged or required to sell the women’s side to new investors rather than self-relegate? Reading Women had multiple offers to be bought out, but the owner, Dai Yongge, simply didn’t, and the only reason that makes sense to me is that he couldn’t be bothered.
There are legitimate investors out there who see the long-term potential in women’s sport. Outdated mentalities are holding us back. If you don’t care, step aside—gracefully and in time—and let someone else invest the money, time, and passion. You can miss out on the rewards.
There’s been a severe lack of communication and care for the impact on players and staff, who have worked tirelessly to keep the club in the league, despite being given by far the smallest budget.
Does the “fit and proper owners” test have a category for the women’s team? When Owners pass this test to take on the men’s team, is there any requirement for their intention to invest in the women’s tea,m because we are always the first thing to be sacrificed?
In the club statement, the fans were blamed for low attendance. But fans are frustrated with the owners—they aren’t attending the men’s games either. There’s been a complete lack of investment in marketing and advertising for the women’s games. You can’t expect fans to turn up without a proper strategy. Emma Clark, Head of Commercial, worked tirelessly to bring in new sponsors, but her creativity and ambition were constantly restrained.
Last year, the women’s team budget was £100,000. We were told the men’s budget was £45 million.
In our league, the next lowest women’s budget was more than double ours. And yet, through resilience, determination, and unity, the staff and players kept this club in the league, even when the bookies had us down as certain to be relegated.
To put things into perspective: the highest-earning player in the men’s squad earns £20,000 a week. We don’t earn that in a year.
Blackburn’s academy has produced countless internationals—Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway—and that’s just to name a few. But the next Keira Walsh now has no pathway to professional football at Blackburn. Talented girls will have to leave just to have a shot at progressing. That may mean travelling over an hour to places like Manchester, often during GCSEs or A-levels.
There is a positive: the FA and women’s professional leagues are introducing minimum standards for 2025/26, including a minimum salary. For someone my age, that would be £27,000. This year, I was only paid £15,000—less than minimum wage. But because our training day was condensed, and we had to leave the ground right after lunch, the hours just about kept it classed as “part-time” despite full-time demands. These new rules will force owners to run women’s teams properly—or step aside for clubs who will.
Another improvement: this year, the deadline for these decisions was brought forward. We’re finding out in May, not July like at Reading. That gives players and staff more time to find new clubs and allows the league time to replace us so there are 12 teams next season. Last year’s late decision left the league with an odd number.
Despite it all, the Championship is growing every year. Newcastle vs Sunderland had a record attendance of 38,502. Clubs like London City and Birmingham have budgets over a million already. One final issue: WSL2 players still don’t have access to the PFA. Only players who have played in WSL1 are eligible. I’m fortunate—I played for Doncaster Belles in WSL (another team that folded while I was there), which gave me access. The PFA have been excellent in helping me get out of my contract at Reading, they supported me during my ACL rehab at Charlton and continue to support me during this situation at Blackburn. However, the vast majority of my teammates don’t have any support. This includes the likes of Niamh Murphy, who is just two months post ACL op!
In the men’s game, the PFA supports the top four tiers. I’ve been told WSL2 players aren’t eligible until the league is 100% professional. With these new minimum standards coming in, surely that time is now. Can we have clarity from the FA or PFA—will WSL2 players have access from next season?
The women’s game is still fragile. We need owners and investors who see the long-term gain and are willing to risk their time and money on something truly special. You can’t underinvest, neglect the team, and then expect to profit when the sport becomes more lucrative. Either invest or let someone else do it properly.
Please share this to raise awareness and encourage those in power to step up and protect the future of women’s football.
