BROOKE Chaplen has extended her contract with Reading FC Women for another season.

Chaplen was Royals’ leading scorer during the last Women’s Super League 1 campaign with 12 goals in 25 appearances following her move from Sunderland a year ago.

Her goals helped Kelly Chambers’ Reading finish an impressive fourth in their first season in the top flight.

Chaplen, 29, said: “I’m really excited. Last year we probably over achieved and now we are working hard in pre-season. Going into next year, we want to do better and we are excited at what we are capable of.”

Chaplen spent her early career at Southampton before a move to her hometown club, Portsmouth.

She moved to Chelsea in 2008, then to Everton a year later where she scored a hat-trick against MTK Hungaria in the Women’s Champions League.

Chaplen joined Sunderland in 2015, scoring six times in 25 games, before signing for Royals in summer 2017.

Midfielder Rachel Furness has also re-signed for Royals for next season.


The 30-year-old launched her career with Chester-le-Street, then went on to play for Sunderland, Newcastle, Grindavik in Icelend and then Sunderland again where she won the Premier League title in 2010.

However, she signed for Reading in summer 2017 when Lady Black Cats became part-time.

Furness scored four times in 24 games for Royals last season and has netted 13 goals in 48 appearances for Northern Ireland.

Royals’ boss Chambers added: “It’s fantastic that Rachel is staying. She was a big part of last season and it’s great that I get to continue working with her. I’m excited to see what more is to come.”