Liverpool fc women
New Signings Announced
Liverpool FC Women have freshened up their squad by bringing in two experienced Women's Super League players as the Club's first signings of the summer. Manager Vicky Jepson swooped for England international Melissa Lawley from Manchester City Women and Reading FC Women right-back Becky Jane to add know-how and quality to her group ahead of the 2019/20 season. They have been joined by 23-year-old midfielder Jade Bailey, who arrives from Chelsea FC Women.
“These signings are just what I wanted,” says Jepson. “I'm coming into my second season as a manager now so I need to lean on experienced players as well as guide them and push them on. I've also got a number of younger players in the squad who are very talented but need role models.
“Becky and Mel have been at leading WSL clubs, seen a lot of things and gone through challenges in their careers, but also had highs in their careers. They can certainly share those stories and journeys with the players at our Club. I'm looking forward to having both of them on board.
“Mel is an exciting attacking player who will help us in the final third and I have no doubt that the fans are going to love watching Mel play at Prenton Park. Becky also has a lot of pace and loves to get forward and I think we'll see her getting a good number of assists next season.”
Melissa is a 25-year-old wide player who enjoyed success with Birmingham City Women and Manchester City Women before joining the Reds in June. She made her England debut last November and narrowly missed out on Phil Neville's squad for this summer's World Cup.
“As soon as Vicky approached me, I was excited,” she explains. “I knew after speaking to her that she will give me a lot of confidence in myself. Having played at City and going away with England for internationals, I know where the standard needs to be now and hopefully going into Liverpool I can drive the girls to be the best that they can be.”
Becky is a 27-year-old right-back who was seeking a new challenge after eight years at Reading FC Women. A former England youth international, she has also played for Chelsea FC Women. She says that speaking to former team-mates helped convince her she was making the right move.
“I spoke to Gemma Davison who was with me at Reading and was part of the Liverpool team that won the league in 2014,” she says. “I am very good friends with Gemma, and she said it would be a good move. I also spoke to [Liverpool FC Women striker] Kirsty Linnett, who was a former Reading player."
Midfielder Jade has taken the number eight shirt after a three year stint with Chelsea FC Women. She originally came through the ranks at Arsenal WFC and, having spent part of last season on loan at Reading FC Women, believes she can develop her game as a Liverpool FC Women player.
“I want to be the best and I know there's still loads more to come,” she said. “I have a belief in myself and know where I want to get to. There's a lot more to come from this team and it's nice to be a part of that and hopefully contribute to the success of the club.”
LFC Official Members and Season Ticket Holders can watch all Liverpool FC Women’s home games at Prenton Park for Free by simply showing their card on the gate. Take a look at the Women’s fixtures here.
