LFC WomenMatt Beard pays tribute to departing players and discusses summer transfers

This week, it was confirmed Megan Campbell, Charlotte Clarke, Rylee Foster, Ashley Hodson, Carla Humphrey, Leighanne Robe and Rhiannon Roberts will leave the club upon the expiry of their contracts.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of Saturday’s season finale against Manchester United Women at Prenton Park, Beard said: “I just want to put on record that these are tough decisions to make.

“All of the players have been fantastic servants to the football club and everyone week in, week out has had an impact on the success we’ve had - especially last season when we got promotion back to the WSL and then helping us consolidate our position in the league this season.

“We are grateful to each and every one of them for what they have done and we wish them all the best in their new journeys.

“They have been fantastic for me since I returned to the football club. They are great people as well and they will be a loss in the dressing room. The service they have given this club has been second to none.”

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In terms of new recruits for next season, Beard revealed work is already under way.

He added: “We’ve got seven players that will be moving on and we’ll have Lucy Parry back, who has been on loan with Hibernian. She has had a great season there.

“We signed Hannah Silcock to a long-term contract last summer but she has been balancing recently between football and her A-Levels so she will be back for the new season.

“We are looking at getting at least five new players coming in as a minimum, also knowing that Hannah and Lucy will be back.”