Barrow Raiders Ladies can confirm that Jodie Litherland has been appointed club captain for the 2022 season.
She will lead the Raiders into their inaugural season in a new-look 12-team Betfred Women’s Super League competition.
Litherland, who will wear the number seven shirt next season, captained the side to second place in the Women’s Championship last season.
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On the decision to appoint Litherland, Ladies head coach Amanda Wilkinson said: “I felt strongly about all the new and past/old players gelling, coming together as one and to all feel part of this new squad, and create an environment where we strive together to be the best we can be.
“A captain isn’t just a title or a gesture, but a leader, a listener, a player who lifts the team when it’s tough.
“We have chosen the captain together. We have had discussions and shared our thoughts on what we feel the attributes of a captain are, who we feel fits those best and want our captain to have.
“There was one person who stood out. Jodie Litherland is a true leader and will lead both off and on the field.
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“The players have so much respect and her for them too. Jodie has been great throughout pre-season, showing such commitment.
“She has a wealth of playing knowledge and is a natural team player who is always striving for the best from her team-mates.
“We will be looking to build a leadership team around the captain and will be forming this over the next few weeks.”
On her appointment as captain, Jodie Litherland said: “It obviously means a lot. Coming in with new coaching staff, it was never an expectation [to be named captain] because new coaches can bring their own ideas.
“The fact that Amanda has selected me to be her captain is brilliant. I can’t wait to improve underneath her and lead this team.
“Everyone’s absolutely buzzing to get on the pitch now. We’ve been training for quite a few weeks now and we’ve put the hard work in.
“Our first friendly is coming up on Thursday, so it’ll be great to see the team coming together, and see what we can then go and show on the pitch during a game.”
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