LFC Ladies announce three new signings

The Reds returned to training yesterday after winning back-to-back Women's Super League titles in the past two years, and have been boosted by the three fresh recruits as they prepare for the new season, which begins in March.

American central defender Murray has joined the club from North Carolina Tar Heels, having previously played for Washington Spirit.

A highly-rated 21-year-old, she had spent much of her fledgling career in college football - receiving plaudits for her defensive play - before enjoying a breakthrough final year in the United States ahead of this transfer.

Murray said: "Having played college football for a number of years I feel as though I am now ready to make the step up to professional football and couldn't ask for a better move than to Liverpool Ladies.

"Liverpool Ladies are a club definitely going places, which was highlighted by the two recent WSL title victories, and I cannot wait to start.

"I would like to thank all those at North Carolina for their support over the last few years and helping me to achieve this fantastic opportunity."

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Ladies manager Matt Beard said: "Satara is a superb signing for us. She is a massive talent who has a big future ahead of her and will provide us with options in defence.

"Satara is an athletic defender with a great physical presence who has a good reading of the game. Her speed is also a massive asset and I've no doubt she will prove to be an excellent signing for us as we prepare for the upcoming season."

Full-back Ryland, meanwhile, has moved to Merseyside from Norwegian Toppserien side Arna-Bjornar and fellow Norwegian Smorsgard has completed a switch from Klepp IL.

The former is a 25-year-old who is expected to bring significant experience to the reigning champions' backline as they prepare for another defence of their Women's Super League trophy.

On the move, she said: "I am delighted to have joined Liverpool Ladies. I am a keen follower of English football, both male and female, and I know that Liverpool Ladies are a great team with a massive future ahead of them.

"Having seen Liverpool Ladies lift the WSL trophy in 2013 and 2014, hopefully I am able to improve the side and help them to secure a third successive league title victory."

Beard commented: "Ingrid is another great signing for Liverpool and I'm sure she'll help to improve our defence. I've seen Ingrid play for Norway on a number of occasions and I'm sure she will suit our style of play perfectly.

"I think modern-day full-backs have to be able to attack as well as defend, so Ingrid is another great signing for us as we look to compete in four competitions this season."

Smorsgard, a 27-year-old striker, also arrives from Norwegian football with a view to further bolstering the attacking options available to the Ladies.

"This is a great move for me and I cannot wait to get started," she said. "The Women's Super League is definitely improving and I'm really excited to join such a big club in Liverpool.

"To be able to join the reigning Women's Super League champions and play UEFA Women's Champions League football is a brilliant feeling."

Beard added: "Line is an excellent striker with a keen eye for goal. Although we won the league last season, I felt as though we could improve going forward so to sign Line is another great signing for us.

"I'm confident that Line will really compliment the attacking players we already have at the club and will score plenty of goals for us. I'm sure Line will be a big hit with the supporters."