NewsGareth Taylor pays tribute to Gemma Bonner and Gemma Evans
Gareth Taylor has paid tribute to Gemma Bonner and Gemma Evans following the announcement of the defenders’ departure from Liverpool FC Women.
It was confirmed earlier today that Bonner and Evans will leave the club at the end of the 2025-26 season, with the Reds finishing the campaign against Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday.
Head coach Taylor was asked about the pair during his pre-match press conference and said the following.
Bonner
“A fantastic servant for Liverpool Football Club. Something to be really proud of, particularly the amount of appearances and the two spells she had at the club. She’ll have seen probably some difference and some change in those periods in between. Obviously I was fortunate enough to be able to coach her at Manchester City also.
“For us, she has been a real ambassador for the football club on and off the pitch. She goes with our best wishes because she’s given a lot to the club and we really appreciate everything that she’s done on and off the pitch to drive this club forward. Had a lot of success and has obviously had a real big effect on a lot of people.
“Certainly the younger generation, she’ll be able to tell some stories from when she was starting out as a pro in the game – when it would have been relatively very much semi-pro – and the differences and the journey that she’s been on has been fascinating to see because it has spanned a long period of time and a lot of appearances.
“Really proud of her achievements. Like I say, she’s been a real stalwart of the club for a long time.”
Evans
“Another good servant to the club, in a different way to Bons. A really good girl to work with. She has been a real positive for the team and certainly for the dressing room. She’s really, really well-liked and you can see why, because she’s a top-class girl to work with. She brings a level of maturity and experience to the team.
“Of course, in our planning and looking to move forward, we’re always trying to improve and get better, and there’s obviously going to be some comings and goings. Again, Gemma goes with our thanks for what she has done for this football club. She has made a really positive impact at the club, both on and off the pitch. Been fantastic to work with and is a real top professional.”