Diane Caldwell airs frustration at Reading's move to part-time

Republic of Ireland defender Diane Caldwell has aired her frustration at Reading's decision to go part-time in the wake of their relegation from the Women's Super League.

The Royals finished bottom after a tough campaign, dropping out of the top flight for the first time since 2015.

It coincided with the men's team being relegated from the Championship to League One, with club owner Dai Yongge saying: "After discussions with the FA, the decision to operate on a part-time basis represents the most viable solution at the present time."

However Caldwell, who moved to Reading from Manchester United last summer, believes the predicament is a symptom of a bigger issue.

"It's a bit of a surprise, but I think it just goes to show you the different attitudes that there are at clubs," the 34-year-old said.

"Some clubs are really behind their women's programmes and it's evident in their success, and other teams are not so much behind their women's programmes. It's no surprise then that you find yourself being relegated. It's all relative.

"I'm contracted for another year. To be honest with you, I'm just focusing on Ireland right now and making sure we're all 100% ready for the World Cup."

Caldwell was speaking at the Republic of Ireland's open training session at UCD on Friday, where 1200 supporters turned up to get a look at how Vera Pauw's squad are prepping for Thursday's friendly against Zambia.

Seven days after that match, Pauw will name her 23-player squad [plus three back-up players] for the World Cup in Australia in New Zealand.

Club concerns aside, these are heady times for 34-year-old centre-half Caldwell who married her partner Mona Lohmann in Greece last week.

"It's hard to plan a wedding being a professional footballer!" she