On Friday afternoon, the day after the transfer window closed, Liverpool F.C. announced the deadline day capture of Fran Kitching from Sheffield United – a move that seen the Reds loan Ellie Fletcher to the Blades for the 2018/19 campaign.
Fran is a highly rated 20-year old goalkeeper who has represented England at youth level and joins the Reds following spells at Chelsea and Watford.
The new Liverpool stopper made her debut on Sunday afternoon, keeping a clean sheet and looking confident behind her new team mates – despite having only trained with them once.
After Liverpool announced the signing of Fran, I spoke to my friend Hannah who runs CWFC Fans who has watched the Reds number 18 on many occasions.
Hannah told me that “even though [Fran is] little she’s got a big voice and is always throwing herself about” and that she’s “very agile, quick and has good reactions.”
Last season while on loan at Watford the goalkeeper was named the Hornets Player of the Season – a feat for any player but particularly a ‘keeper.
Watford general manager Ed Henderson tells me that “Fran is a great personality, she has a real hunger to do well and win.
“She’s very vocal on the pitch and organises her defence well, making a number of impressive saves last season in what was a difficult campaign for all involved.
“Her shot stopping is very good as well as her distribution. She’s also very comfortable playing out from the back and good with her feet.”
Ed also cites her performance against Liverpool in The FA Cup last season as one of her highlights from her time at the club – Reds supporters will remember the string of impressive saves as Fran denied Bethany England on several occasions and kept the scoreline down.
Another stand out was a save Fran produced away at Sheffield which Ed says was “exceptional, and probably the best save I’ve seen since being at the club.” I’ve included the image below!
Fran arrives at the Reds along with fellow new signing Kirsty Linnet (blog to follow) and the pair really seem to complete this squad which, for me at least, is highly exciting and one that we all as supporters can really rally behind.
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