Official: Liverpool FC Women Appoint Manager Gareth Taylor

The 2024-25 season didn’t go to plan for Liverpool FC Women, as the team headed into the season looking to build on a fourth-place finish the year before only to backslide. Between injuries, a lack of recruitment, and some questionable managerial decisions, the end result was far less than expected.

It might have been unfair for manager Matt Beard to take the fall for it all, but by the time it happened his departure from the club felt inevitable and the players appeared at least to respond well to interim manager Amber Whiteley. In the end, though, the club chose to go in a different direction for a new permanent hire.

For some time now, then, it’s seemed clear the direction would be ex-Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor. Today, his appointment has been made official, as he takes over a side that just lost their best player to Arsenal and that, as seems to be the case every summer, has question marks around recruitment.

“It’s a massive honour,” Taylor said following the announcement. “When I heard there was interest from Liverpool, and seeing what a juggernaut of a club it is, it’s fantastic to actually be here. Back at Melwood, I visited here a long time ago as a young player. I’m just really proud to be here at the club.

“Like I said, a fantastic club which is steeped in tradition. There’s a real good connection with the supporters—I think it’s unparalleled. It’s more than a club. I think when Liverpool come calling, it’s really hard to resist. I’ve been a massive admirer of what they’ve done in the men’s game but also the women’s game as well.”

On the men’s side of the game, clearly what Taylor says seems fully applicable. Under Fenway Sports Group, what had been a stagnant and struggling club has been revived through investment in infrastructure and growing revenues to the point the Reds can go toe-to-toe with any of England and Europe’s other top sides.

On the women’s side, well, plenty would take issue with Taylor’s assessment, particularly looking at the past 15 or so months and how 2023-24’s fourth-place finish has been followed—and then this summer’s sale of Olivia Smith. Perhaps, though, Taylor is the person to help the club close the gap. We’ll soon find out.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com