Gareth Taylor has been appointed Liverpool Women’s head coach less than six months after being sacked by Manchester City.
The 52-year-old takes over from interim boss Amber Whiteley, who will remain at the club as an assistant coach.
Taylor, a former player with spells at City, Nottingham Forest and Burnley, was dismissed by City in March after the team slipped to fourth place in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
City had started the season strongly under Taylor and were top of the league, but a spate of injuries to key players such as Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp, along with a public fall-out with Chloe Kelly as the winger pushed for a move away, tarnished the final months of his five-year tenure.
During his time at City, Taylor won the FA Cup and the League Cup. The team also narrowly missed out on the league title, losing to Chelsea on goal difference on the final day of the 2023–24 season.
He now faces a significant challenge in reviving Liverpool, who lost star player Olivia Smith to Arsenal last month in a record-breaking deal worth over £1 million – the first time that barrier has been broken in the women’s game.
Former Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor has been appointed Liverpool’s new boss
City started last season strongly under Taylor and were top of the league but a spate of injuries to key players including to Alex Greenwood (left) left them fourth when he was sacked
A public fall-out with Chloe Kelly tarnished the final few months of Taylor’s five-year tenure
They also saw long-serving left back Taylor Hinds join Arsenal after her contract expired this summer.
Liverpool finished seventh in the WSL last season, having started the campaign with high hopes following a fourth-placed finish the year before. First-team manager Matt Beard departed mid-season after a disappointing run of results.
‘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.’
Taylor’s former assistant, Chad Gribble, will also join the Reds as part of the backroom staff.
The pair will take charge of Saturday’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Aston Villa at Bodymoor Heath training ground.
Liverpool begin their WSL season on Friday September 5 with a tough opening fixture against reigning champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool Women’s managing director Andy O’Boyle said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Gareth to the club.
Taylor had a successful beginning to his career at City, including lifting the FA Cup in 2020
Liverpool have recently lost star forward Olivia Smith to Arsenal for the first £1million WSL deal
‘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.
‘We want our team playing with a clear identity as a Liverpool team, playing Liverpool football in front of passionate Liverpool fans.
‘Gareth shares that vision and we believe he has the qualities and experience to deliver it.’
