Reading have lured Liam Gilbert to take over from Kelly Chambers, leaving rivals Oxford United.

Gilbert, a former player in America, takes over following the departure of club legend Chambers- who had been at the club for over 20 years.

Back in the Championship following WSL relegation, and dropping to a part-time model, Gilbert marks a new era for the club's women's set-up.

Spending four years in charge of the U's, the new second tier campaign starts in under a fortnight.

“You’ve used the word there, I’m just so excited to be at this fantastic club,” said Gilbert on his new role.

“I know a lot about the club from playing against them over the years, what they stand for, their philosophies, the importance of the community and what the fans expect.

“And the position that I am now privileged to be in, it’s now my responsibility to drive everything to new levels, upwards and it’s a really exciting project to be a part of."

General Manager, Brooke Chaplen, added: "We extend a warm welcome to Liam as the new Manager of the club.

"Our search for a candidate with the right blend of experience and comprehension of our club's dynamics was exhaustive. Liam's remarkable achievements during his tenure at Oxford United Women showcased his capabilities, rendering him the perfect fit for this new chapter.

"Liam's exceptional background enables him to hit the ground running, and he's already instilling his vision and ethos within the club. It's a culture that fills us all with excitement for the immediate future and the upcoming season.

"We'd also like to express our gratitude to our fans for their patience throughout this process. While we understand the eagerness for a swift appointment, we wanted to ensure we found the right fit for Reading. We're thrilled to have concluded our search.