Liverpool FC Women boss Neil Redfearn has stunned the club by resigning after just one game of the FA Women's Super League season.

The former Leeds manager informed the Reds of his decision on Thursday night and the players were told at training on Friday.

Ex-Reds keeper Chris Kirkland, who was Redfearn's goalkeeping coach, and assistant boss Vicky Jepson have been placed in temporary charge for Sunday's Continental Tyres Cup clash against Durham Women FC.

Redfearn's reign had got off to a disappointing start with a cup defeat to Manchester United followed by a 5-0 mauling at the hands of Arsenal in their WSL opener last weekend.

The 53-year-old took over in June following the exit of Scott Rogers. Redfearn had to virtually start from scratch after a mass exodus of players.

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"It is a massive privilege and real honour for me to have been appointed as manager of Liverpool Ladies," said Redfearn, who spoke to the ECHO last month for a special Blood Red podcast ahead of the Manchester United match.

"It is a team with big potential which should be challenging for trophies on a regular basis. I have every confidence that we will be competing at the top end of the Women's Super League this season."

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However, with Chelsea and Man City boasting much greater resources, challenging for honours this season was never likely and after a testing few weeks Redfearn has decided to walk away.