Liverpool Ladies FC celebrated a season of solid progress at the club’s 2016 awards night which was held in the Beautiful Game suite at Anfield the night after their final FA WSL game against Arsenal Ladies.
Playing their first campaign under Scott Rogers’ management the Reds secured a fifth placed finish in FA WSL 1. “I’m extremely proud of the way all the girls have gone about their work this season,” said the boss. “They are a young group and I believe the future is bright and we can enjoy success with this group of players.”
There were four awards up for grabs at the ceremony which was held in association with club partner Vitality.
First up was the Fans’ Player of the Year award in association with Vixlet. Compere Kelly Cates explained the online poll had been a close call but in the end Scottish midfielder Caroline Weir got the nod and received her award from former GB gymnast Beth Tweddle.
Caroline said: “It’s lovely to receive this from the supporters who are absolutely brilliant with the backing they give us, home and away. I have enjoyed my first season at Liverpool from day one and it’s a privilege to receive this award.”
The second award was for the Players’ Player of the Year with Weir shortlisted again, alongside Wales captain Sophie Ingle and right-back Satara Murray. Ingle came out on top and picked up her trophy from ex-Reds striker John Aldridge. "It’s always nice to receive recognition from your team-mates and I’d like to thank the girls for voting for me” she said. “I’ve played mostly at centre-back this season and I’m just happy to help the team in whatever way I can.”
There was keen competition for the Standard Chartered Goal of the Season award with netbusters from Caroline Weir, Rosie White, Natasha Harding, Shanice van de Sanden and Katie Zelem all among an impressive shortlist. Weir received her second award of the night for her second goal in the 3-1 win at Doncaster Rovers Belles in October. “I had the most nominations so I guess the odds were in my favour!” she said. “My personal favourite was probably Rosie’s goal at Sunderland but of course I’m very pleased to have won!”
The final prize was the Vitality Special Recognition Award which went to the person who most embodies what Liverpool Ladies FC are about. The recipient was club captain Gemma Bonner who also received praise in a special video message from first-team boss Jürgen Klopp. Gemma spoke of her pride at leading the ladies in red. “I have supported Liverpool FC since I was a little girl and I’m living out my dream in being able to wear the Liverpool shirt and represent this club,” she explained. “I look at the young girls who come to watch us and think that was me a few years back so hopefully we can inspire them to get involved in the game. It is a huge honour for me to receive this kind of recognition from the club.”
