NewsCeri Holland signs new contract with Liverpool FC Women

The Wales international joined the Reds in January last year and has now agreed to extend her stay with the club.

A combative and energetic midfielder, Holland arrived on Merseyside direct from a successful stint in the USA college system and has gone on to establish herself as a full international while playing a major role in last season’s FA Women’s Championship title win.

LFC Women manager Matt Beard said: “Ceri came on leaps and bounds last year. Tactically she was challenged at the start of the season and she came through with flying colours.

“In the national team she’s played full-back, she’s played wide. For us, predominantly as a holding midfield player or an attacking midfield player. She’s very versatile and can cover numerous positions for us.

“But her athleticism, her strength, I think that will cause lots of midfield players and defenders problems in the Women’s Super League.”

Holland, 24, is already looking forward to Liverpool’s return to WSL action in early September.

She said: “I’m absolutely made up. When the option came on the table to extend my stay here it was an absolute no-brainer. I actually can’t wait to get going for the new season.

“I really enjoyed my first six months under Amber [Whiteley], I think she did a fantastic job, and then Beardy came in so it was a fresh start and it was an incredible season.

“The group we had was amazing - the best I’ve ever worked with, no doubt.

“I love working under Matt. He’s such a people person first and foremost. He recruits special people and I think that’s why we have such a special environment here.

“He brings out the best in me definitely. He brings character and out on the pitch he challenges you, which is what you need in a manager.”

Having arrived at the Reds while games were played behind closed doors, Holland was delighted to finally play in front of the team’s loyal supporters last term.

She stated: “The fans were amazing. I think they were one of the main reasons we did so well last season and we got to know them on a personal level as well. The connection we have is very, very special and hopefully we’ll grow that even more as we go into the WSL.

“Everyone knows the WSL is a very tough league with some of the best players in the world playing in it.

“I think for us we know what we have to do, we’ll believe in ourselves that we can go into the WSL and challenge everyone every week.

“That team spirit will be massive. We’ll have some highs and some lows but the most important thing is we all have each other.

“I want to challenge myself every week. It’ll be my first time in that league and I want to see how I can compete personally, to play as consistently as I can and help the team in whatever way I can.”