Refreshed Reds
RIANNA DEAN
With centre-forward Amalie Thestrup moving on to PSV Eindhoven Vrouwen, Liverpool FC Women needed a goal-getter and returning manager Matt Beard moved to bring in 22-year-old Rianna, who has formerly played for Arsenal Women, Millwall Lionesses FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC Women.
She scored 18 times in 49 league games for Spurs and her goals helped fire the North London club to promotion from the FA Women's Championship in 2018/19. The former England Under-21 international is now aiming to do the same for the Reds.
“My job is to score goals so hopefully that's what everyone will see from me,” she says. “I like to work hard and do my best for the team. I'm passionate about Liverpool and passionate about doing the best I can, so hopefully I can work hard, score goals and hopefully help achieve a lot of wins for the team.
“Liverpool should be up there pushing with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea. I've come here with the aim of getting promotion and helping this team to push on.”
CARLA HUMPHREY
Versatile midfielder Carla Humphrey has played her entire career in the FA Women's Super League and is now in a hurry to help Liverpool FC Women regain their top-flight status.
The 24-year-old former England youth international had previously worn the colours of Arsenal Women and Doncaster Rovers Belles FC (on loan), before spending the past four seasons at Bristol City Women FC.
“I’m so determined [to secure promotion],” she explains. “That was the motivation for me coming here and that’s what I really want to do – to help take this Club back to where it belongs. It’s something to fight for each week as previously I’ve been fighting a relegation battle and I don’t want to have that anymore. I want to be winning games and pushing for a title and get promotion.”
Carla is also hoping that her ability to operate across midfield can help the Reds in that quest for success. “I can play anywhere in midfield really and also on the wing,” she says. “I don’t really have a preference. I’m just excited to give my all for this team.”
JASMINE MATTHEWS
Jasmine is a familiar face to Liverpool FC Women supporters as she returns to the Club for a second spell. Usually deployed as a centre-back, she also offers Matt Beard an option as a holding player in midfield.
Initially signed for Liverpool FC Women by Neil Redfearn, she spent the 2018/19 season with the Club before returning to Bristol City Women FC, where she impressed Beard during his spell in Gloucestershire.
“I'm delighted to be back,” says the 28-year-old. “When I knew Matt was coming to Liverpool it was always on the radar to come back. Working with Matt at Bristol City, he really got the best out of me.
“As a coach he's just great and when he phoned me to have a conversation it was a no-brainer really and I just wanted to come to Liverpool under Matt. I think you know exactly where you stand with him and if it's not good enough, then he will tell you. But he will sing your praises as well, which is also nice to hear as a player. He always gets the best out of the team.”
YANA DANIELS
Like Jasmine Matthews, forward Yana is also returning from Bristol City Women FC for a second spell with Liverpool FC Women. Capable of playing on either wing or down the middle, the 29-year-old Belgian international offers the Reds pace, power and an aerial presence.
“I just want to enjoy my football here and bring the Club back where it belongs,” explains Yana, whose previous clubs also include FC Twente Women and RSC Anderlecht Women.
“When I was a kid there were always a couple of big teams on the TV and Liverpool was always there. It just seemed so far away and now being here is a little kid’s dream that comes true again for me.
“The style Matt plays, it just suits me. I like it and I feel comfortable. You just play that little bit better because you understand the way the manager wants you to play. The philosophy of Matt suits me. I believe that he can achieve something big here with his ability as a manager.”
MEGAN CAMPBELL
The arrival of 28-year-old Republic of Ireland defender Megan brings an added dimension to Liverpool FC Women. Often referred to as the Rory Delap of the women's game, manager Beard has admitted that her long throw-in gives the Reds an option akin to having a set piece.
“I guess as a kid it [the long throw] was always there and it just grew as I got older,” she explains. “Then we decided to start using it with the national team and it was a great asset for us to have in terms of getting assists or more chances on goal, like corners. I guess it just became a popular thing and if we needed a goal towards the end of the match it became very important. So it's been quite good for me!”
Capable of playing at left-back or centre-half, Megan is vastly experienced and can count Raheny United Women FC, Florida State Seminoles and Manchester City Women FC among her former clubs.
“This is one of the biggest clubs and the Liverpool name speaks for itself,” she adds. “I'm really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
LEANNE KIERNAN
The first of the Reds' six summer arrivals, Leanne is another Republic of Ireland international. Like Jasmine and Yana, she also has prior experience of working under Matt Beard, in her case at West Ham United FC Women.
The exciting 22-year-old attacker moved to the Hammers from Shelbourne FC Women in 2018 and became a crowd favourite for her positive approach on the pitch.
“I suppose in the back of my mind becoming a professional footballer was a big dream of mine, but back then it was a dream and that’s all it was,” she says. “I signed my first professional contract three years ago and it was a dream come true and I’ve carried that on and I’m really excited. It’s a bit mind-blowing [signing for Liverpool FC Women] but when you work hard, you get far.
“This is a big step in my career and I’m really looking forward to it. I’d like to say that I’m here to score goals and I’m quite quick, so hopefully I can help this team. I’ve played as a winger for the last three years and I play as a striker for my country.”
