Twenty-five year-old midfielder, Remi Allen has signed a long-term deal with Reading from Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee.
Allen, who has played for Leeds United, Leicester City, Lincoln Ladies and of course the Blues, has also represented her country at U-15, U-17, U-19 and U-23 levels, with the highlight of this international experience being part of the Three Lions’ squad to lift the UEFA U-19 Championship in 2009. Remi, who is eligible to play this Saturday in the Conti Cup vs Arsenal, will wear squad number 8, after Bonnie Horwood’s earlier departure this week to Millwall Lionesses.
Kelly Chambers on Remi signing:
“This is a big signing for us and one that shows our intent to cement our place in WSL1. Remi already has great experience in this league and combined with her experience of international and champions league football, I believe she will be a great addition to our side”.
Remi spoke with reading.fawsl.com shortly after she put pen to paper:
What was it about the Royals that convinced you to sign?
“When I initially had a chat with Kelly [Chambers] and Phil [Cousins] (Manager & First team coach) I was really impressed with what they had to say regarding the direction the club wants to go moving forward. I saw the facilities at Bisham Abbey, which are unbelievable, I also spoke to some of the girls here who explained the squad is a close-nit unit; I really like what this club is about.”.
Do you think Reading have the potential to play in the champions league?
“Yeah, why not? This season it is not realistic, but as a long term plan I think Reading can be up there competing, as long as the club keeps pushing on and adds experience”.
How confident are you that we will stay up this season?
“I’m confident. From the games I’ve seen I’ve been impressed with Reading , who have shown a strong work ethic and are physically very fit. I think the foundations the girls have built in the first half of the season have been really good”.
What are your personal ambitions for the rest of this season with Reading?
“For me, its to get playing again and to get back to enjoying football. I want to help the group and help the girls finish strong for the remainder of the season”.
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