Today Liverpool F.C. Women announced that Vicky Jepson will become first team manager with immediate effect, assisted by Chris Kirkland.
A highly regarded and respected coach, Vicky has been involved with the Reds for over nine years.
Starting in 2009 coaching the under-11s at the club’s centre of excellence for six years, amongst the staff at the club as Matt Beard came in and won back-to-back titles (Vicky was the team analyst for three seasons) and with the Development Squad for five seasons; first as assistant and then as manager.
Of that first under-11 side back in 2009, three players currently play in the Academy side (formerly known as the Dev. Squad). Annabel Blanchard who made her first team debut towards the end of the 2017/18 campaign, Bo Kearns who featured heavily during pre-season and Courtney Willis.
Vicky did all this alongside a full-time role at the LFC Foundation, spending her days with the foundation and her evenings coaching the Reds – even finding time as a coach with England’s under-17s, coaching on the FA North West regional development camps and being an FA level one tutor.
Adding even further to the list Vicky has coached the LFC legends ahead of charity matches, travelled with the men’s first team on pre-season tours to assist with foundation coaching camps and in December 2015 was named FA Female Development Coach of the Year. An accolade that seen her invited to Melwood to spend time with Jurgen Klopp and Steven Gerrard.
And that’s just on paper.
Much credit must be given to both Vicky and Chris in the way that they have rallied the squad following a hard start to the season. Unprompted in interviews the players constantly praise the coaching staff at the club for the atmosphere created and the bond between players and staff has arguably never been stronger.
You only have to look at the reaction of current players (some of which are included at the bottom of this article), former players, supporters and coaches from across the women’s game to know how highly thought of Vicky is.
The Reds are in good hands going forward.
Kirsty Linnett: When good people get what they deserve. congratulations !!!! Done a fantastic job already!!
Ashley Hodson: Couldn’t be happier with @Vick_Jepson being appointed our new manager, much deserved and can’t wait for times ahead!
Satara Murray: THIS 
I am so happy about this! A huge congrats to @Vick_Jepson, absolutely deserved! Let’s go!
Leighanne Robe: Huge congratulations to @Vick_Jepson so very deserved and already shown what an amazing manager you are
congrats to @ChrisKirkland43 also for becoming the assistant manager, we are lucky to have you both!! Great decision by the club
Niamh Charles: So happy for @Vick_Jepson being appointed manager, couldn’t be more deserved and can’t wait for the future
Independent LFC Women Blog 