A New Era

Introducing the dozen new signings stepping out for Liverpool FC Women this season...
Sophie Bradley-Auckland
Position: Defender
Age: 29
Nationality: English
Signed from: Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC

Sophie joined the Reds this summer having helped Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC to the WSL 2 title last season and is the team captain and wears the armband on the pitch, a different role than Leandra Little plays as club captain. “Being named captain of Liverpool FC Women is a huge honour,” says Sophie. “I came here to play and hopefully be in the starting eleven but I never dreamt that I would be the captain of the team so it’s a massive privilege for me.” Sophie has been capped 28 times by England and represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.

Leandra Little
Position: Defender
Age: 33
Nationality: English
Signed from: Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC

Appointed as club captain this summer, centre-back Leandra has a wealth of experience in the women's game and will be aiming to share that know-how to help develop the younger players in the Reds' squad. A qualified teacher, Leandra is also a former England international – at basketball. “I see my role as more than just a player,” she says. “I like to organise and I love a list! Just ask my team-mates!”

Anke Preuss
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 26
Nationality: German
Signed from: Sunderland AFC Ladies

A former German youth international who won the UEFA Women's Champions League during her time at 1.FFC Frankfurt, from where she joined Sunderland AFC Ladies in 2017. She has shone in the early-season games and also impressed Chris Kirkland, the ex-Reds keeper who joined the Liverpool FC Women's staff this summer. “From the first training session that I worked with her, I could tell that she is top drawer,” he says. “Just the way she moves, the way she conducts herself. She’s got great hands and she wants to learn as well.”

Fran Kitching
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 20
Nationality: English
Signed from: Sheffield United WFC

Rotherham-born keeper who joined the Reds after a brief spell at Sheffield United WFC and is looking to push Anke Preuss for a place in the starting line-up. Fran was formerly at Chelsea FC Women and spent part of last season on loan at Watford FC Ladies, producing a fine display in an FA Cup tie against Liverpool FC Women. She made an impressive FA WSL debut for the Reds against Reading FC Women in September, making fine saves to deny Fara Williams and Brooke Chaplen.

Jasmine Matthews
Position: Defender
Age: 25
Nationality: English
Signed from: Bristol City WFC

A former England youth international who had been part of Bristol City WFC's senior squad since 2011. In 2013 Jasmine was part of the team that finished runners-up in the WSL and FA Women's Cup. The left-sided centre-back moved to Merseyside admitting it was time for a change and a fresh challenge. The Cornwall native has forged a new partnership with team captain Sophie Bradley-Auckland in the heart of the Reds' back line and has quickly become a favourite with Liverpool FC Women supporters.

Leighanne Robe
Position: Defender
Age: 24
Nationality: English
Signed from: Millwall Lionesses LFC

A versatile player who can operate at centre-back or full-back. Leighanne started her career with Watford FC Ladies and is a former FA Youth Cup winner at Arsenal WFC. She was part of a Millwall Lionesses LFC team that went over a year unbeaten in league football and her performances persuaded the Club to make her its first signing in the summer of 2018. “Playing full-time football is something I've been working towards for some time and I'm determined to make the most of my opportunity here at Liverpool,” she says.

Rhiannon Roberts
Position: Midfielder
Age: 28
Nationality: Welsh
Signed from: Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC

Welsh international who was a key part of the successful Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC team last season with her combative performances in the middle of the pitch. Rhiannon began her career with Blackburn Rovers LFC in 2009, before joining Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC in 2013 and playing a key role for the Belles. Chester-born, she played international football for England colleges and England Under-23s before making her full international debut for Wales in 2015. Frustrated by an early season injury and a suspension, Reds fans will be hoping to see the best of her in the months ahead.

Niamh Fahey
Position: Midfielder
Age: 31
Nationality: Irish
Signed from: FC Girondins de Bordeaux Women

A childhood Liverpool FC fan, Niamh achieved a lifelong dream when she joined the Reds in July 2018. The defensive midfielder joined from French Division 1 Feminine side FC Girondins de Bordeaux Women having previously played for Arsenal WFC and Chelsea FC Women. She has won three FA WSL titles, five FA Women's Cups and has been capped more than 60 times by the Republic of Ireland. She is also capable of playing in a back three and filled that role in the Reds' opening game of the season against Manchester United WFC in the Continental Tyres Cup.

Courtney Sweetman-Kirk
Position: Forward
Age: 28
Nationality: English
Signed from: Everton LFC

A proven goalscorer, the former England U23s international joined the Reds in July 2018. Courtney top scored for Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC during the 2017 Spring Series and has previously played for Notts County Ladies, Coventry United LFC and Leicester City WFC. “Everywhere I've been, I've scored goals and that's my aim this season – to come in and be top goalscorer,” she says. “I've proved that I can do it in WSL 1 last season at Everton and I'm looking to bring goals to the club.”

Kirsty Linnett
Position: Forward
Age: 25
Nationality: English
Signed from: Reading FC Women

Leicester-born attacker who has previous experience at the top level of the women's game at Birmingham City LFC, Notts County Ladies and Reading FC Women. Kirsty has also played representative football for England at Under-17s, Under-20s and Under-23s levels. “I’ve got a lot of experience in WSL 1 but I’ve definitely got more to give so I want to get out there now and start showing it. We’re all ready to play for the Liverpool Football Club badge on our shirts.”

Christie Murray
Position: Midfielder
Age: 28
Nationality: Scottish
Signed from: Glasgow City FC

The playmaker adds to the Reds' creative options and has previously played for Glasgow City FC, Celtic FC, Arsenal WFC, Bristol City WFC and Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC and has more than 50 caps for her country. A free-kick expert and the creative hub of the team, Christie helped Scotland to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in their history earlier this season. She won three consecutive Scottish Women's Premier League and Cup doubles with Glasgow City FC between 2011 and 2013.

Yana Daniels
Position: Forward
Age: 26
Nationality: Belgian
Signed from: Bristol City WFC

Belgian international striker who has previously represented WD Lierse SK, Stichting FC Twente Vrouwen and Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht Dames. Yana has scored four goals at international level and was part of the Belgium squad at EURO 2017. “I really love to play on the wing or as a 10,” she says. “During a game I like to switch from the left side to the right or to the middle. I just love to touch the ball and the more I touch the ball, the better I grow in the game.”