Liverpool FC Women have ended their six-month search for a permanent Head Coach with the appointment of former Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor on a three-year contract.
The 52-year-old arrives at Anfield with a strong pedigree in the women’s game, having led Manchester City Women for almost five years before parting ways with the club in March. He succeeds Matt Beard, who was dismissed in February after just under three seasons in charge.
Assistant manager Amber Whiteley had taken interim charge since Beard’s departure, guiding the team through the second half of the campaign. Whiteley was among those to apply for the role full-time, but Liverpool pushed ahead with a thorough recruitment process before identifying Taylor as their top target. He will be supported in the dugout by Whiteley and his long-time assistant at City, Chad Gribble.
In his first words as Liverpool boss, Taylor said:
“I am delighted to have been appointed as Liverpool’s new head coach. Everyone in football knows about the history, size and potential of this club, and I am really looking forward to the task ahead.”
“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 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 I think there’s a lot of history there.”
“Our aim is to create a team that supporters can be proud of one which plays good football and which will hopefully bring success along the way.”
Liverpool’s hierarchy believe he ticks every box they were looking for tactical nous, top level WSL experience, and a proven track record of developing young players. While at Manchester City, he worked extensively with emerging talent, shaping a side that, at its best, produced some of the most exciting football in the league.
Taylor’s time at City also brought silverware the FA Cup in 2020 and the League Cup in 2022 alongside multiple top-three league finishes. However, he was sometimes criticised for tactical stubbornness, a trait Liverpool hope will evolve as he takes charge of a new project at the club.
For Liverpool, who finished seventh last season the appointment is seen as a statement of intent. The club have ambitions to close the gap on the league’s elite, and Taylor’s experience at the top end of the WSL is considered a major asset.
However, alongside the announcement of Gareth Taylor as the club’s new head coach, the Reds have also confirmed the departure of Scot Rodgers. Rodgers, a well-respected figure within the club appointed as an assistant coach under Matt Beard leaves after two highly successful spells. His impact during his time with the Reds has been widely acknowledged, playing a key role in the team’s development and achievements over the years.
The Reds have already made headlines this summer by selling last season’s top scorer at the club, Olivia Smith, to Arsenal for a world-record £1 million ($1.3m) fee. But the club have also tied down several key players with contract extensions and with only four weeks until the start of the new campaign, Taylor’s challenge will be to quickly shape his squad and implement his playing philosophy.
Pre-season training is already underway at the AXA Melwood Training Centre, with Whiteley leading sessions before Taylor’s official arrival. The new head coach will now take the reins ahead of a packed build up to the Women’s Super League curtain-raiser a high-profile Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield on Sunday, September 7.
The hope among fans and the club alike is that Taylor’s appointment marks the beginning of a more competitive and ambitious era for Liverpool Women. With a coaching team blending continuity in Whiteley and fresh perspective in Gribble, plus Taylor’s proven winning record, the Reds are setting their sights higher than ever. After more than five months of waiting, Liverpool finally have their new head coach
