NewsCharlotte Wardlaw returns to Liverpool FC Women on loan
Charlotte Wardlaw has returned to Liverpool FC Women for the forthcoming campaign after agreeing a season-long loan deal.
The agreement with parent club Chelsea Women will see the 19-year-old return to the Reds after impressing during last season’s loan spell.
Wardlaw made 23 appearances as Matt Beard’s side lifted the FA Women’s Championship title and secured promotion back to the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL).
Operating mainly at right wing-back, she was still able to score two goals, including a spectacular effort against Sheffield United Women at Bramall Lane.
Beard said he had been watching the England U19 international’s situation closely and declared it a ‘no-brainer’ to bring her back to the club.
“We’ve been monitoring Charlotte’s situation all summer and we’ve been speaking with Chelsea for some time,” the Reds boss told Liverpoolfc.com.
“Charlotte brings versatility to the squad as she can operate at right wing-back, centre-midfield and even in a back three for me last year.
“She’s a talented young player, fits in well with the group and knows how we play. It was a no-brainer to bring her back.”
Wardlaw expressed her delight at rejoining the team after a summer apart.
She said: “I’m so excited to be back. I love this club, I loved it last season, I love the girls and I love everything this club stands for.
“The decision was so easy – I know how everything runs, I know the girls, I know Beardy and it feels like home here.
“To be able to continue this journey into the WSL is really special. I developed so much under Beardy and all the girls around me.”
Wardlaw, who will wear the No.8 shirt, looks back with huge affection on what was a breakthrough season in the game in 2021-22.
She continued: “It was massive. It was my first professional season, so I got to really experience what being a professional footballer is like and I don’t think there could’ve been a better place for me to develop and grow, and for my confidence to grow. I can’t wait to put that into action this season.
“I know how Matt works, he’s direct, he’s straight – that’s how I like it. I want him to tell me what I need to do better, I want him to be honest, as he always is, and I know what he wants is always the best for us. I have massive trust in him.”