Second tier confirms one-team shortfall for next seasonFinancial woes force Reading to apply to play in fifth tier The Women’s Championship will operate with 11 teams rather than 12 next season after the Football Association confirmed Reading’s withdrawal from the second tier.The club said on Sunday, as reported exclusively by the Guardian on Friday, that they have applied for a spot in the fifth tier of the English women’s pyramid. It follows months of financial uncertainty and the collapse of an 11th-hour takeover bid that had attempted to save the women’s team over the past week. Staff, players and fans are said to be devastated by the news. Continue reading...