Missy Bo Kearns Signs A New Contract For Liverpool Women’s Team

To this point, the Liverpool FC Women’s offseason has been one of transition. Matt Beard was finally announced as the new manager after the conclusion of the WSL season, and then several players let it be know that the Liverpool FC Women’s team retracted contract offers without having the decency to tell them directly. Today, however, the Reds made an announcement that shows some continuity. Bo Kearns, who became an integral player in the midfield half way through the season, signed a new contract with the Reds.

The Scouser was named the team’s Standard Chartered Player of the Season for 2020-21, and was also awarded the Player of the Season by the LFC Women’s Supporters Club. At just 20 years old, Kearns looks to be on the cusp of becoming a legitimate star, so keeping her at the club is a good sign for the upcoming year. It is not stated, but it seems likely that this is a one year contract.

“It’s a dream come true to continue staying at the club, it’s a big honour for me. I just want to play for Liverpool and I’m over the moon,” said Kearns after signing her new contract. “Individually, last year was my breakthrough season. I got the opportunity just after Christmas to showcase what I can do and I feel I took that chance. It still feels like yesterday I was in the U11s and I’ve taken it all day by day and just enjoyed each moment playing with a Liverpool shirt on.”

Bo Kearns also said she is looking forward to the challenge ahead of getting her club back into the WSL, both from a personal and a team standpoint.

“Personally I want to keep performing, I want to kick on and be even better,” said Kearns. “For the team it’s a big season, we need to get back into the top league. Hopefully Matt [Beard] coming in can help us as much as he can and then we’ve just got to perform. I can’t wait to get back into a routine and see all the girls again. I’m looking forward to it, it’s a big season and I think we’re ready to go.”

New manager Matt Beard, who remembers Kearns training with the U11s when he was last in charge of Liverpool, is excited to have the local product in the fold.

“I’ve watched a lot of Bo recently and I’m really excited by her,” said the new manager. “She’s got everything to become a top, top player. She’s going to be a big player for the football club; she’s a local girl, she’s a Liverpool fan and I’m delighted she’s committing her future to the club. Technically she’s very gifted, she’s a clever player and a set-piece specialist, which is vitally important. I’m really excited to see how she can kick on and develop now because it was a real first taste of a lot of minutes in the second half of last season.”

You can see the full interview with Bo Kearns and Matt Beard below.

Hopefully this is a sign of commitment from the club that they are going to retain the top talent in the team to build a team that can compete year after year. Kearns is a local product who seems on the cusp of breaking out in a big way, and can be the face of the team moving forward. This is a great first step, but an overall infusion of talent and depth is needed to make a legitimate run at promotion. Let’s hope for more good news in the coming weeks!