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Today, Liverpool Ladies FC have officially become Liverpool FC Women. The FA Women’s Super League club were originally known as Newton Ladies when they formed in 1989 and became Liverpool Ladies FC when they linked up with Liverpool FC in 1995. In 2011, they were founding members of the FA Women’s Super League.
In 2013, LLFC were fully integrated with Liverpool Football club and won the championship for the first time. They went on to defend their title successfully, when they were crowned champions again in 2014 as they managed to win on goal difference thanks to a victory on the final day of the season.
The Liverpool Ladies side have undergone several changes this year. Neil Redfearn (former Leeds, Rotherham and Doncaster Belles manager) was appointed as the new Reds manager in June and former Liverpool player Chris Kirkland was announced as the new goalkeeper coach for the upcoming season.
Redfearn has already made an impact with a number of important signings in order to strengthen the squad in preparation for the 2018-19 season, most recently signing striker Courtney Sweetman-Kirk from Merseyside rivals Everton Ladies, Doncaster Rovers Belles defender Sophie Bradley-Buckland, and Scotland international striker Christie Murray earlier this month.
Thusly, with new management, new and exciting players, and with a new look Women’s Super League launching, Liverpool Ladies FC took the opportunity today to become Liverpool FC Women. Having been the first female team to attract an independent shirt sponsor (through partnership with Avon), Liverpool have taken yet another important to step for change in the women’s game.
The Reds look well on their way and ready to write the next chapter on their football journey. Neil Redfearn spoke with the official website about the name change, saying: “We are entering a new era for women’s football and this is an ideal time to review every aspect of our team, to ensure we are set up for future success. The renaming of my refreshed squad is just one aspect we’re looking at and fits perfectly with the overall move towards a more modern and inclusive game.”
Liverpool FC CEO Peter Moore added: “I have witnessed women’s football go from strength to strength over the last few years and I’m excited about this new stage in the game. We are in a prime position to be at the forefront of these changes, so it was an obvious choice to rename the squad before the new season starts.”