Liverpool Ladies sign England duo
Liverpool Ladies have shown their intent for the 2012 FA Women's Super League season with the double signing of Fara Williams and Natasha Dowie from local rivals Everton.
Williams, who made her debut for England in 2002, is a central-midfield player with over 100 caps who has made a name as a goalscorer and set-piece specialist.
She said: "I'm enthusiastic about the prospect of a new challenge and I'm joining the club at an exciting time.
"After speaking with Matt about the plans Liverpool have I had no doubt this was the right move for me. I'm looking forward to this new chapter in my career."
Dowie has gained caps for England at all levels and is a consistent goal scorer - as illustrated in her prior encounters against Liverpool.
In the two previous FA WSL seasons, she has scored injury-time goals in both of the Reds' home derby games. In addition, she netted a late equaliser in Liverpool's first ever FA WSL game and scored the last-minute winner this season. To add to that, she scored the only goal in the Reds' away fixture to Everton in 2011.
Natasha commented: "It is sad to say goodbye to Everton. I will always have great memories with them , but I'm very excited about what Liverpool Ladies have planned for the future of this club.
"Some talented players are coming into the squad who I'm looking forward to play and train with. Having the opportunity to train full time is hopefully going to help me progress as a player."
On securing both players for Liverpool, manager Matt Beard stated: "Both Fara and Natasha are great signings for us.
"Both are England internationals but most importantly they are fantastic footballers with good football brains.
"Fara will give us quality on the ball, she is dangerous from set plays and she is a winner. Natasha is a very good forward who not only can score goals but also creates them. These two players coming to Liverpool show our intent and ambition."