New stopper: Why I signed for LFC

With Champions League competition on the agenda for the new season, Ladies boss Matt Beard has strengthened his Women's Super League title winners with the capture of the USA U23 international.

Stout, who was previously plying her domestic trade in Germany, will bolster an already stubborn Ladies backline which is currently led by captain Gemma Bonner.

In an exclusive chat with Liverpoolfc.com, Stout tells us of her hopes for the season ahead.

First of all Libby welcome to Liverpool Football Club - how delighted are you with this move?

I am extremely delighted and very excited about it. This is a great step for my career and Liverpool is one of the best places to be in the world and one of the best clubs. Winning the Championship last year was brilliant and to be playing in the Champions League this year is something that really excites me. I hope to contribute as much as I can to the team and playing for Liverpool is about as good as it gets. I'm looking forward to living in England and I am very excited.

How did the move come about and how impressed were you by the manager Matt Beard?

In my first year I played in France, Liverpool were always on my radar but last year I played in Germany for a team called BV Cloppenburg because their goalkeeper got injured and they needed a replacement. Matt wanted to bring me in for this season and I really enjoyed my spell in Germany as the Women's Bundesliga is a great league. Matt is a great coach and what he has done so far with Liverpool has been really impressive and I can't wait to play for him.

A few players have come over to Liverpool from the USA - did you speak to any of the players before deciding to make the move?

I spoke with Whitney Engen, who played for Liverpool last season and she loved her time at the club. She was very complimentary about the club and very positive about the women's team. I got great feedback so that was good for me and told me I had made the right choice in coming here.

You are joining the reigning Super League champions - what are you ambitions for this season?

I'm really excited to be joining the champions. Hopefully I can contribute as much as I can to the team and it would be great if we could win the title again and compete well in the Champions League. That is going to be tough and it's a new environment for the team and for me as well, but hopefully we can do well.

How much of a big factor was playing in the Champions League in you joining the club?

It was a factor. I haven't played in the Champions League yet so I can't wait to play against the best teams. It's where we want to be year-in, year-out so we are very excited.

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The above picture of Libby is taken by Joshua Mauser. Click here to access Joshua's website>>