No.23 – Rebecca Flaherty
Flaherty, 20, was regularly used in the development side last season, which ended up winning their league. The Scottish U20 International signed from Hibernian Ladies and made her first senior appearance for the first team last season vs Aston Villa during their Continental Cup 5-1 win. Flaherty is considered the Reds’ second choice captain following the departure of Siobhan Chamberlain and Danielle Gibbons and the introduction of Anke Preuss this summer. She’s seen as a bright spark for the future, definitely a keeper… (Sorry)
DEFENDERS:
No.2 – Jasmine Matthews
Defender signed from Bristol City this summer. Has experience playing in the Women’s Champions League in 2014/15 and 2015/16. The 25 year old England International (at U17, U19 and U23 level) made 46 appearances for Bristol City last season scoring the lonely 1 goal. She was highly regarded at Bristol City, being named player of the season last season. Solid defender.
No.3 – Leighanne Robe
With an impressive start to being a red, this pre-season has told us she is one to watch for the up and coming season. Liverpool’s newly crowned number 3 signed from Millwall Lionesses who finished third in the WSL 2 last season. She made 17 appearances and scored once against Aston Villa. The 24 year old came through the ranks at Arsenal, making her mark at Watford and Millwall. I’m extremely glad she made the move to join the reds and am very excited to see her boss that left wing back role this season.
No.4 – Rhiannon Roberts
Also known as ???Razza Roberts’ signed from Doncaster Belles off the back of their title winning season in the WSL 2 last season. The 27 year old, Welsh international who commonly plays at CB or CDM started her career off at Blackburn Rovers, appearing 50 times and scoring 3 goals. During her time at Doncaster Belles (2013-2018) she made 71 apps and scored 7 goals. She’s cemented her place in the Welsh international team making 14 appearances and is a highly regarded experienced footballer. Has a good presence on and off the pitch and gives us great expectations for the coming season.
No.5 – Niamh Fahey
An Irish, defensive midfielder signed from Bordeaux last season (16 apps). The experienced 30 year old started her footballing career at Salthill Devon and since then has played for teams such as Arsenal (2008-2014), Chelsea (2015-2017). Fahey is no stranger to the trophy cabinet.. Having won the FA WSL 3 times, FA PL (National Divison) twice, and is a 5 time FA Women’s Cup winner and just because I can go on.. Also a FA WSL Cup 3 time winner. She’s still got more achievements in the locker but I think you’ve got the point. Having that trophy winning feeling and experience amongst this side will no doubt benefit the squad in the future. She will be a model figure to those younger players of the squad as well as the older. Great business by Redfearn.
No.6 – Sophie Bradley-Auckland
The 28 year old, full time Mum and full time professional Footballer – a role model for all. The Nottingham born defender who’s previously played for teams such as: Leeds Utd, Lincoln and most recently last season, Doncaster Belles. Bradley-Auckland was named in the 2012 Great Britain squad for the 2012 Olympics and was involved in the 1-0 win over Brazil. Regarded as a highly experienced player who captained her Leeds side to a 2010 Women’s Premier League Cup win. During the summer of 2015 she suffered a 19 month long injury, causing her to have 3 operations on her leg. However, her grit and determination got her back to fitness when she signed for Doncaster Belles in 2017. A brave leader and has got a good shout for Vice Captain this season.
No.12 – Leandra Little
Ex- Doncaster Belles captain, who managed to lead her team last season to the WSL 2 League title. With 18 appearances and 2 goals last season, the tall figured CB cemented her place in Belles history. Highly regarded by Redfearn and seems to be heading for that captaincy role for the up and coming season. Previously playing for Notts County in 2011/12 then joined up with Belles where she’s been playing for 6 years. With a very commanding and a real leadership presence on the pitch, she has every right to be named the new captain. And with her already created partnership with Redfearn from last season it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise.
No. 40 – Lucy Roberts
Young defender who’s been a part of the youth development squad from the age of 12, became the Reds’ youngest ever player to debut in FA WSL history (16 years, 269 days old). The central defender struggled to make a vast amount of appearances last season due to the position being dominated by experienced players such as Gemma Bonner. However, now Roberts has had a taster of what it’s like to play at the top level, the only way is up for this young talent.
No.44 – Satara Murray
After joining the Reds in 2015, Murray has well and truly stolen the hearts of the Liverpool fans. Her early career mainly consists of playing for college football teams such as the Pali Blues and Washington Spirit. The 25 year old made 17 appearances last season and has taken up the right wing back role during this current pre season. Linking up well with new signing Christie Murray on the left flank, not just because they have the same name though. Obviously.
MIDFIELDERS!
No.8 – Laura Coombs
The 27 year old, English international started her career off by coming through the Arsenal youth ranks. Following this she then signed for Chelsea in 2011, however during this time had loan spells at Barnet, Los Angeles Strikers and Liverpool (before signing permanently in April 2017 by Scott Rodgers). She’s made appearances for England at U19, U23 and senior level making a total of 20 appearances and 4 goals. Her usual position was in the center of midfield which was occupied towards the back end of last season by herself and Sophie Ingle (who departed the club this summer to Chelsea). She made 25 appearances for the Reds last season scoring 4 goals. Am sure she will look to improve on that this season.
No.19 – Amy Rodgers
Seems a fitting squad number for this young, English 19 year old. A talented midfielder who made her debut for the side during spring last season. She’s a solid member of the Development side over the last couple of years but is looking to cement her place in the senior side. Rodgers was named Young Sports Achiever of the Year at the Everybody Awards 2016. The award recognised her work with the U16 England squad, and her appearance at the UEFA Development squad at Loughborough University during 2016.
No.17 – Niamh Charles
The 19 year old, English winger who spent most of her youth career at LFC academy. She made her first senior debut in April 2016 against Sunderland. In 2016, Charles was nominated for the Women’s Rising Star award at the Northwest Football awards, following her involvement in the Liverpool development side who won the title and her efforts playing for the England u17 side. Charles is currently away with the u20 England Squad at the u20 World Cup in France. She made 7 appearances for the Reds senior team last season scoring 3 goals. A very positive bright spark for the future of this Liverpool side.
No.21 – Missy Bo Kearns
The youngster who recently just made her debut for the senior team in a preseason friendly against Blackburn rovers, however she was named also on the bench for the Everton pre-season match. She has appeared several times for England U17’s in games for the UEFA U17 Women Championship. Although she isn’t highly experienced in the senior realm of LFC women’s football, but with her subtle involvement towards the highest level recently bodes well for the new season.
No.36 – Ashley Hodson
23 year old, English Midfielder. Spent several years progressing her way through the LFC youth development programme. She made her senior debut in 2014 where the reds won 2-0 against Sunderland. Her first league debut was 2014 against Chelsea. During her first season for the Reds she played 11 games and earned herself a winner’s medal as the Reds won the FA WSL 1 title that season. In May 2018, Hodson was ruled out for almost a year due to a severe knee injury (damage to anterior cruciate ligament), However she travelled with the squad to their pre season training camp this summer in Holland but did not play, we wish her the speediest recovery to get back to the pitch this season as soon as possible.
No.10 – Christie Murray
28 year old, Scottish Midfielder. Usually plays the No.10 role and is a natural born playmaker. Potentially the best possible Caroline Weir replacement. Born in Bellshill, Scotland, Murray’s youth career consisted of playing for Baillieston Girls before moving on to Carson-Newman College Football. Murray has also had spells at Glasgow City (29 apps, 24 goals), Arsenal (3 apps), Bristol Academy (14 apps, 1 goal) and most recently Doncaster Belles where she made 26 appearances. Murray has also been heavily involved with the Scottish International teams, competing at U17, U19 and Senior level. She made her senior team debut for Scotland in 2010 with a 3-0 loss to New Zealand. She’s been highly impressive so far with her time at the Reds and with experience such as winning the Scottish Women’s PL 6 times and the Scottish Women’s Cup 3 times she’s got winning in her blood. Oh and don’t forget the triumph of winning the WSL 2 with Doncaster Belles last season contributing to that with 7 goals.
No.26 – Ellie Fletcher
19 year old, English footballer who’s come up through the Reds’ youth system. She made her first team debut last spring (2017). She made 2 appearances last season in the FA WSL 1, both of those being off the bench. She also appeared in the Women’s Super Cup last season. She’s prodominantly a defender, playing either CB or left back, however she recently played in a more midfield role during the majority of LFC’s pre season friendlies. Can only see her improving as she gets more first team minutes under her belt.
FORWARDS:
No.20 – Rinsola Babajide
London born Striker, who previously played for Millwall Lionesses and Watford Ladies before joining the Reds in January 2018. During her spell at Watford she became joint top scorer at the club in the 2017 spring series scoring 3 goals in 9 games. Scott Rodgers scouted her out for her goal scoring ability. Alongside Niamh Charles, Babajide was also selected for England for the u20 World Cup in France. Having made a few appearances during pre-season she’s proved she is a vital squad member for Redfearn to keep in the running for first team starting positions. And the experience of her attending the U20 World Cup is always a bonus for the young striker and will help her in the future.
No.7 – Jessica Clarke
Liverpool’s No.7, Jess Clarke started off her career at Leeds Carnegie Ladies before making the move to Nottingham County where she made 82 appearances and 24 goals over her 7 year period at the club. She signed for Liverpool in 2017 and has so far made 20 appearances, scoring 5 goals. Clarke is also a fully fledged member of the England senior team. Making her international debut in March 2009 against South Africa and in her third ever appearance for England scored in a 3-0 win over Scotland. She’s even been given the nickname ???the wizard of the dibble’, make of that what you will. Clarke played mostly on the wing last season, however is a very versatile player who Redfearn can no doubt count on this season not only a goalscorer but also as a playmaker alongside Christie Murray. Honours include a Premier League cup final win against Everton in 2010 while playing for Leeds.
No.9 – Courtney Sweetman-Kirk
The reds’ new No.9 who signed from Everton this summer is regarded as a class goal scoring forward. In her career she’s played for Notts County, Coventry City, Leicester City, Doncaster Belles and Everton. She made 18 apps and scored 5 goals in Everton’s WSL 1 campaign last season. During her time at Doncaster Belles in the 2017 series she was joint top scorer of the WSL 2, so she’s no stranger to being on the scoresheet. With the departure of England, Ingle and Weir from the Reds’ side, she’s a great attacking option for Redfearn to turn to. An ex- England u23 international where she made 5 appearances. Sweetman-Kirk was named the FA WSL 2 Players’ Player of the season and top scorer for 2015 and managed with Coventry City to win the Birmingham FA County Cup in 2013. A great addition to the side to get our goal tally up this new season.
No.27 – Annabelle Blanchard
17 year old, English attacker. Made her senior debut in April 2018 in a 3-0 loss against Arsenal. Blanchard was also named in John Griffith’s U17 squad for the UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championships in Lithuania (She was selected alongside other LFC teammate Missy Bo Kearns and Lucy Roberts). A youngster who’s looking to get more first team football experience. Can play midfield or up top.
No.11 – Yana Daniels
During the summer of 2018, Redfearn invested in the 26 year old, Belgian striker. Having previously played at clubs such as FC Twente, RSC Anderlecht and most recently Bristol City. This striker is a great addition to this newly formed Reds side. During last season at Bristol City, she made 17 apps and scored 1 goal. Daniels’ honours include winning the KNVG Women’s Cup in 2014/15, BeNe League (2014/15) and was runner up in the Belgian Women’s Super cup in 2012/13. Daniels has also represented her country at youth level, at u17 level bagged herself 4 goals in 9 appearances and at u19 level scored 3 goals in 11 games. Daniels has also cemented her place into the Belgian senior team and has achieved 30 caps. Being a striker she’s got a battle on her hands to compete with the likes of Sweetman-Kirk and Babajide for that No.9 role.
No.15 – Cassia Pike
At 17 years of age, this diverse youngster who can play as a striker or on the wing made her Liverpool debut last December. The young red was also included in Jayne Ludlow’s Welsh senior squad for 2 international friendlies, where she managed to get some minutes under her belt which will do wonders for her confidence in the future. Good to see that the club is turning to their youth to train up for the future of the squad.
So there we have it.. I can understand that a lot of information to take it but that’s what you’re here for! With all the changes being made to this Liverpool side over the last few months it’s important to keep up to date! The future is bright for this team and with the new recruitments starting to bond with the old, team cohesion is starting to form. I believe Redfearn has the ability and the players to get this Liverpool Women’s side back to the top of the table where they belong and the Champions League. It’s been a difficult few years for this side, finishing way below where they should have. So let’s bring back those glory days..
This has been you guide to all things Liverpool FC Women.. Getting you to grips with what they are all about! Myself (AmyLaurence301) and @Lauren_black09 are running a weekly Liverpool FC Women’s Podcast over on theredmentv.com where you can find out more about all things that go on in and around this Liverpool Side and the FA WSL 1.
Hopefully this has done what it intends and gives you all the information you need! We are Liverpool, This Means More. Up.The.Reds.
Article by Amy Laurence @AmyLaurence301
