The Scott Rogers column: A new-look attack and Reading test
In his latest column, Liverpool Ladies boss Scott Rogers speaks about his new-look attack and previews tonight's Spring Series clash with Reading Women, which will be shown exclusively live on LFCTV GO.
Our squad received a major boost when I finally managed to get the No.9 we have been chasing by completing the signing of Jess Clarke. It was no secret that we were looking for a forward and we had an idea during the transfer window that we might be able to get Jess. It took slightly longer than we thought to push it through but we are delighted to get the player that we wanted. Jess brings with her a lot of experience for someone of only 27 and has a very good goalscoring record. She is lightning quick, which fits in with how we want to play, and she is also technically very good, so another strong signing for us. We have always said we want to keep opponents guessing and we now have a front line in my opinion that is frightening. It is technically very good and very quick so it’s going to be a nightmare for teams to play against, that is for sure. We were also delighted to bring in Laura Coombs on a permanent deal after her successful loan spell with us last year. I was over the moon to bring her back because at one point we didn’t know if we would be able to for one reason or another. We got the deal done and it’s great to have her back in our squad because she is a great asset for any team.
We started our Spring Series campaign with an excellent performance in our 4-1 away win at Yeovil Ladies last Sunday. As coaches and players we are always looking for improvement from each game we play but to score four goals was pleasing. We were disappointed not to keep a clean sheet but the penalty decision that went against us was debatable. Other than that we gave a solid defensive performance again and scored four good goals. It was pleasing to see Katie Zelem come off the bench and score twice. She always comes off the bench and makes an impact and everybody knows the ability Katie has. It’s just a case of getting the consistency out of her for 90 minutes game in, game out and that’s something we have got to focus on with her. She is very talented and we’ve got to keep pushing her and helping with her development. Katie had a major impact on the game for us at Yeovil and that’s full credit to her.
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We now turn all our attentions to Friday night’s meeting with Reading Women at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes. I actually thought Reading were a very good side last season and were unlucky at times in terms of results that could have gone either way. They have added some really good players and taken the heart of Sunderland’s midfield with the captures of Brooke Chaplen and Rachel Furness. They are very strong and have also added Mandy van den Berg, who spent last year with us. Mandy is a very good defender and she will strengthen Reading’s defence. What I admire about Reading is they like to play football in the right way. I’m not just saying my way is the right way but I do like teams who play good football and Friday night’s game will be a good advert for women’s football because both teams will try and play.
It will also be a proud night for us on Friday night when we wear our Avon sponsored shirts for the first time. We are delighted to have Avon on board with us and we look forward to a successful partnership with them.
As I’ve said, the Spring Series gives me a great opportunity to experiment with the team and give one or two younger players an opportunity. We can see where the young players are in terms of their development. It’s a chance to give these players exposure at first-team level, which is fantastic. We have a lot of talented youngsters at this club and this gives them a great chance. That’s not to say we will just be using the Spring Series as an experiment because not every young player will get an opportunity; we want to keep up our winning momentum which breeds confidence.
Thanks as always for your continued support.
Kick-off at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes on Friday night is at 7pm BST.
Click here to watch the game live for free on LFCTV GO.
Click here to watch the game live on the Liverpool Ladies Facebook page.