Liverpool FC Women officially announced the appointment of Gareth Taylor as their new head coach, marking a significant step in the club’s ambition to reclaim a prominent position in the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL). The 52-year-old former Manchester City manager brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, having led City to the Women’s FA Cup in 2020 and the League Cup in 2022, while narrowly missing the WSL title in 2023-24 due to goal difference.
Taylor’s appointment follows a six-month search for a permanent successor to Matt Beard, who was sacked in February 2025 after a disappointing run that saw Liverpool finish seventh in the WSL. Assistant manager Amber Whiteley served as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2024-25 season and will remain with the club as an assistant coach under Taylor. Additionally, Taylor’s former assistant at Manchester City, Chad Gribble, joins the Reds’ backroom staff, bringing further expertise to the coaching setup.
🚨 Liverpool announce Gareth Taylor as the new Head Coach. pic.twitter.com/41JdM8JWFN
— Fanzine WSL (@FanzineWSL) August 8, 2025
A New Chapter for Liverpool FC Women
Taylor, a former Wales international with an 18-year playing career that included nearly 600 appearances and over 140 goals, expressed his enthusiasm for the role. “Everyone in football knows about the history, size, and potential of this club, and I am really looking forward to the task ahead,” Taylor said. “Our aim is to create a team that supporters can be proud of, which plays good football and which will hopefully bring success along the way.”
Liverpool Women’s managing director, Andy O’Boyle, highlighted Taylor’s suitability for the role, stating, “This has been a very detailed process, and it was clear that Gareth was the outstanding candidate. He has a proven track record of building successful, identity-driven teams, and his ability to develop players and help them reach the next level is second to none.” O’Boyle emphasized the club’s vision to restore Liverpool FC Women to the upper echelons of the game, with Taylor’s appointment seen as a crucial step toward achieving that goal.
Challenges and Opportunities
Taylor’s tenure at Manchester City, which spanned from 2020 to March 2025, was marked by notable successes but also challenges. His City side consistently finished in the WSL’s top four, securing two major trophies and earning Taylor four WSL Manager of the Month awards. However, his final months at City were marred by a poor run of form, an injury crisis, and strained relationships with key players, including England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck and winger Chloe Kelly, whose loan exit sparked controversy.
At Liverpool, Taylor inherits a squad in need of rebuilding. The club recently lost key players, including top scorer Olivia Smith to Arsenal for a world-record £1 million fee, captain Taylor Hinds to the Gunners on a free transfer, and Yana Daniels and Jas Matthews to Burnley. Despite these departures, the financial boost from Smith’s transfer provides Taylor with resources to strengthen the squad.
Building a Liverpool Identity
Liverpool FC Women, two-time WSL champions in 2013 and 2014, have not challenged for the title in a decade. The club’s ambition is to re-establish a distinct “Liverpool identity” characterized by dynamic, attacking football that resonates with passionate fans. Taylor’s possession-based style, demonstrated during his time at Manchester City, aligns with this vision, though some have raised concerns about his tactical flexibility and player management, citing his City tenure.
Taylor’s first competitive match will be a high-stakes Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield on September 7, 2025, setting the stage for his mission to elevate Liverpool back to the WSL’s elite. With over a month to prepare before the 2025-26 WSL season begins, Taylor has time to implement his strategies and integrate returning players from Euro 2025 and other international tournaments.
A Mixed Legacy at Manchester City
Taylor’s tenure at Manchester City was both successful and controversial. Joining City’s academy in 2011, he took charge of the women’s team in May 2020, leading them to two major trophies and establishing them as perennial contenders. He was named WSL Manager of the Month on four occasions, a testament to his tactical acumen. However, his final season was marred by a poor run of form, with City 12 points behind Chelsea at the time of his sacking in March 2025, compounded by an injury crisis involving key players like Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp.
His time at City also saw strained relationships with some players. England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck described her relationship with Taylor as “fractured,” and a public fallout with winger Chloe Kelly, who pushed for a move away, tarnished his final months. Despite these challenges, Liverpool’s confidence in Taylor remains unwavering, with reports indicating he had been on their radar for months. Delays in finalizing the appointment were attributed to negotiations over the terms of his previous Manchester City contract, but the club’s patience in securing their top target paid off.
Looking Ahead
The appointment has generated optimism among Liverpool supporters, with many hopeful that Taylor’s experience and trophy-winning pedigree will spark a resurgence. Social media reactions reflect cautious excitement, with some fans emphasizing the need for Taylor to build trust with players and adapt his approach to ensure success.
As Liverpool FC Women embark on this new era under Gareth Taylor, the focus will be on creating a cohesive, competitive team capable of challenging for silverware. With a clear vision, a strengthened coaching staff, and the backing of the club’s leadership, Taylor has the opportunity to write a new chapter in Liverpool’s storied football history.
