The interim (potentially new?) manager wrote her final column of the season, reflecting on the loss to Chelsea and player departures.
The latest WSL season has just wrapped up, with Liverpool Women finishing seventh, after their final day loss to Chelsea Women at Stamford Bridge. A perfectly respectable position considering the upheaval the squad has seen this season.
Amber Whiteley gamely took hold of the squad after Matt Beard’s unexpected departure in February and while her tenure has been satisfying so far, an end of the season loss still smarts. In her final column for the season on the club website, Whiteley reflected on the loss, the season, and the players we’re having to say goodbye to.
“Despite the result, I do feel we can take a lot of positives from our performance at Chelsea. I thought in the end we were unfortunate not to come away with something from that game,” Whiteley wrote.
“The girls gave absolutely everything and gave a good account of themselves against the champions. We had some positive moments in the game and caused them problems with our set-plays.
“I was really pleased with our organisation off the ball. I thought we defended well for large parts of the game and made it difficult for Chelsea to break us down. We have shown more consistency in our performances against the top four teams in the second part of the season, which I am really proud of.”
There has been no news regarding the new manager search during the season following Whiteley’s appointment, so one has to wonder what the club are even thinking in this regard, and if Whiteley herself has thrown her hat into the ring to keep managing the Red Women fulltime. It appears that the squad respects her and she does know them well enough to inspired some wins, but it’s unclear how sustainable she can be as a manager. She did make her appreciation for the role clear in her column, thanking everyone for their support as she stepped up.
“On a personal level, I’ve absolutely loved leading the team. It’s a real privilege to work with the staff and the players here at the AXA Melwood Training Centre,” the manager continued.
“It’s just an incredible football club. I love the club so much and I love the people here, and to have led this team has been a real honour for me. One of the highlights has to be the win over Manchester United, that was a really special night at Anfield. It was such a brilliant performance from the girls and one I will never forget.”
It wouldn’t be the end of a women’s football season without a few players leaving due to their shortened contracts, and this season is no exception. Niamh Fahey, Yana Daniels, Jasmine Mathews, and Teagan Micah all said their goodbyes to the traveling fans at Stamford Bridge last weekend, and Whiteley made sure to recognize everything they’ve done for the club.
“I spoke last week about my admiration for our departing club captain Niamh Fahey after she announced her retirement from the game. Everyone at the club is going to miss her. In my final column of the season, I would like to pay tribute to our other departing players in Jasmine Matthews, Yana Daniels and Teagan Micah,” Whiteley wrote.
“I gave Yana a final appearance off the bench at Chelsea, which was her 100th game for the club. It’s absolutely brilliant for Yana to have reached that milestone, she is the first non-English-born player to play 100 times for this club and I think it’s a fantastic achievement. She can be so proud of everything that she has given to Liverpool Football Club. Every day Yana gives her best to not only better herself but to better the team too.
“The same can be said for Jas. A wonderful footballer and so well-loved and respected amongst the dressing room. I know it has been a dream for both of them to represent this club and they have certainly done themselves proud.
“Teagan has been an integral part of our goalkeeping department. Her aim now is to play more football, which she absolutely deserves. Everyone wishes Teagan the very best of luck and we will all be following her journey and supporting from afar.”
Whiteley shifts focus at the end towards the fan. The Liverpool Women’s support has been strong, bolstered by the free coaches to every away match, and they never go unnoticed, even as the club has shifted stadiums for the first time this season.
“I would also like to show my appreciation for our fans, who have been absolutely brilliant this season, both home and away. On a personal level, I am so grateful for all the support shown to me – it has meant so much,” the manager added.
“We want to continue building here and to play football that our fans can enjoy and really get behind. We will take some time now to rest and reflect and we will be back stronger next season.”
Next season might end up looking quite a bit different, but the women all deserve to rest before looking ahead to the next Women’s Super League season.