Reading FC Women's captain to leave at the end of the month

The highest capped Welsh female footballer, Harding joined the Royals from Liverpool in 2017 and has made more than 100 appearances for the WSL side.

The 33-year-old was voted Welsh Footballer of the Year in 2016 after scoring 11 goals for the Reds.

Harding has played every league game Reading this season but is yet to get on the score sheet.

Speaking to the club website, manager Kelly Chambers, said “I'd like to thank Tash for everything she has done in her time with the club. She's been an integral part of the team, and been a huge part of our growth as a club. Personally I have grown a great relationship with Tash both personally and professionally, and I'd like to wish her the very best for the future."

READ MORE: Reading FC Women captain makes 100 appearances for Wales

The curtain will fall on her Reading career after the last game of this season when Manchester City visit the SCL Stadium on Sunday.

Harding is not the only one leaving after this weekend's game, with striker Brooke Chaplen retiring after suffering a bone tumour.

Another who joined in 2017, Chaplen made over 100 apperances and scored more than 30 goals for Chambers' side.

Speaking to the club website, Chaplen said: “Obviously at the end of January, I found out that I had a tumour at the top of my fibula and, due to the likelihood of it being cancerous, it would need to come out.  

“I’ve been here a long time now and I feel part of the furniture - I have some great memories. From scoring my first goal against Liverpool to battling the likes of Manchester United for the top three spot. 

“I feel like my ability as a player has been massively developed here and that’s huge credit to Kelly and all the coaching staff at Reading for all the time and resource they invested in me.”  

“I’d like to think I now embark on a new path in football. I feel like I’ve got a lot to give with the experiences I’ve had within women’s football."