Managerial Promotions: Kelly Chambers (Reading, FA WSL2 champions)

The first of two manager interviews under the Managerial Promotions banner, with Reading’s Kelly Chambers after her side were crowned FA WSL 2 champions on goal difference ahead of Doncaster Rovers Belles. The 29-year-old former Royals captain, whose association with the club began in childhood and who took over from Jayne Ludlow late the previous year, describes a nervous finale settled at Aston Villa, with players repeatedly asking the referee the time before celebrations began in front of travelling fans. Chambers sums up the season as strong and exciting, explains that promotion was her goal while the players set themselves the title, and reflects on the distance travelled since relegation from the National Division in 2012. She credits squad depth of 24 players and the way Helen Ward, Emma Follis and Lauren Bruton responded to losing Fran Kirby to Chelsea, and looks ahead to full-time training.