Reading Women have announced Emma Mukandi as the new club captain following the departure of Tash Harding.

Harding, a Welsh centurion, joined Aston Villa after four years with the Royals over the summer.

Mukandi, formerly known as Emma Mitchell, signed a new contract over the summer after originally joining in 2020.

The Scottish international with over 60 caps to her name has played 17 times since joining the club.

Now returning from maternity leave, the former Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur stalwart has called it an 'honour' to be named Reading captain.

"It’s an honour to have asked to be captain of the team," she beamed. "Having just returned from having a baby, I was of course shocked when Kelly [Chambers] sat me down to give me the news, but to be asked by the coaches means they've clearly seen something in me that they trust to do the job and lead the team out. 

"We've got a great bunch of girls here, and we will all have an important role to play throughout the season, and I can't wait to walk out on Sunday infront of our fans."