LFC Women'I'm loving it at Liverpool - it's very enjoyable!'

Colm Smith had already worked alongside manager Matt Beard and assistant manager Paul McHugh for a couple of years during their time at West Ham United Women.

Also part of the reunion from the group in east London was striker Leanne Kiernan, who also happens to be a fellow product of Ireland’s County Cavan.

“I’m from Kingscourt whereas Leanne’s from the other side of the hill – the dark side – in Baileborough!” says Smith.

He’s been with the Reds for several weeks after taking over from David Robshaw, who relocated to another part of the country after his marriage.

Smith said: “I was with Matt and a few of the staff at West Ham. I’m loving it up here, loving the people, loving the environment. There’s a very friendly atmosphere between the players and the staff, and it’s very enjoyable to say the least!”

After gaining his qualifications at the Dundalk Institute of Technology, he headed across the Irish Sea for a spell in London that would eventually last six years.

“In that time I worked in rugby, Gaelic football, hurling – a bit of everything really. I started an internship at Harlequins rugby club, also worked at Ealing Trailfinders and another team called Esher.

“Then I got into football and was at Chelsea Women’s RTC, the academy programme, for two-and-a-half years before going over to West Ham.

“I finished there in September and now I’m here. The position opened up and I was getting married around the same time so it was a pretty hectic period.”

Smith sees his role as very much looking after every aspect of the players’ physical wellbeing.

“You have to look at the whole programme, from everything the girls are doing on the pitch to what they’re doing in the gym, before the sessions, after the session, look at nutrition. You have to look at every aspect of physical performance.”

A few weeks into his role and Smith has absolutely no regrets about his move north.

“The girls are brilliant, the energy they bring every day is great, as well as the staff, to be fair. It’s a very healthy environment.

“Even just training here at The Campus alongside Tranmere, they’re all brilliant as well, everyone up here is so friendly.

“I’m loving it so far.”