THE 2024/25 Women's Championship season will operate with only 11 teams, instead of the usual 12, following Reading Women's withdrawal, the FA have confirmed.

Southampton FC Women are set to compete in the second tier for a third straight season having achieved a club record points total (39) and record finish of fourth last season.

Reading's withdrawal leaves the league one team short ahead of the new season, due to start on Saturday, September 7.

The news comes after months of financial uncertainty at the Berkshire club. Reading had hopes of a late takeover, which could have saved the women's team, however, an 11th-hour bid collapsed last week.

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A statement via the FA confirmed: "Following Reading FC Women’s decision to withdraw from the Barclays Women’s Championship, the league will operate with 11 clubs for the 2024/25 season, and will only have one relegation place.

"The intention is for the Barclays Women’s Championship to return to 12 clubs and two relegation places from the start of the 2025/26 season."

Saints Women are still in the process of hiring a new head coach following Marieanne Spacey-Cale's decision to step up into a more senior role.

Welsh international Rachel Rowe, a former Reading player herself, remains the club's only confirmed signing ahead of the new season.