The 1990s Decline

Lore & Background

The club was founded in 1989 as Newton LFC, by former England international, Liz Deighan. The club rechristened as Knowsley United WFC two years later; becoming the founding members of the National Premier Division organised by the WFA. Knowsley United reached the final of the Premier League Cup in 1993, but lost to Arsenal at Wembley. In 1994, the club reached the final of the FA Women's Cup, but lost 1–0 to Doncaster Belles at Glanford Park. In mid-1994, the club linked with Liverpool F.C. and took on the name Liverpool Ladies F.C. The club finished runners-up in the following two FA Women's Cups: they lost the 1995 final 3–2 to Arsenal at Prenton Park, and in the 1996 final, Liverpool drew 1–1 with Croydon at The Den, but ultimately lost on penalties after extra time. For most of the 1990s Liverpool were National Premier League mainstays but a lack of support and investment saw them relegated to the Northern Division in 2003. In 2004, they won the Northern Division and earned promotion, but were relegated again at the end of the season. Their biggest rivalries were with Everton. The Merseyside derby was rekindled in the 2007–08 season, after Liverpool won back promotion as 2006–07 Northern Division champions. Surviving their first season back in the FA Women's Premier League National Division, finishing third bottom, they sacked manager David Bradley at the end of the season. The club were relegated into the Northern Division for 2009–10, but won the league losing just one game all season. Liverpool was one of eight founding teams in the Women's Super League in April 2011. In June 2012, manager Robbie Johnson stepped down; his assistant Andy Williams was promoted. In August 2012, former Chelsea manager Matt Beard was appointed. In April 2013, Liverpool became the first football club in England to offer their female athletes professional contracts. This helped Liver

In Their Own Story

The rain lashed against the Anfield floodlights on a cold November night in 1992, illuminating a pitch that felt heavier with expectation than usual. In the stands, the red scarf-wearing faithful sang not just for victory, but for stability. On the touchline, Graeme Souness paced anxiously, his hands deep in his pockets, watching a midfield battle that felt familiar yet increasingly desperate against the new wave of English football. The whistle blew, ending another draw, and the silence that followed was louder than any cheer; it was the sound of a dynasty pausing to catch its breath.

Reader's Guide

The club's history includes founding in 1989, multiple name changes, and a pioneering move to full-time professional contracts in 2013. Key achievements include back-to-back Women's Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, and winning the FA Women's Championship in 2022. The club has been relegated multiple times but has always bounced back. Notable managers include Matt Beard, who led the title-winning sides.

Did You Know?

• Liverpool became the first English football club to offer every female player full-time professional contracts in 2013.
• The club was founded in 1989 as Newton Ladies F.C. by former England international Liz Deighan.
• Liverpool won the FA Fair Play Award in the 2009–10 season after playing the entire season without a single player being booked or sent off.
• The club's biggest rivalries are with Everton.