Having led the Reds to successive Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, Beard’s return for a second spell in charge was confirmed earlier this month.

When the players convene from a summer break on June 28, they’ll begin a journey towards their No.1 target for the new season: promotion from the FA Women’s Championship.

We caught up with Beard this week to discuss his opening days back at the helm and the work going on behind the scenes for next term. Read the chat below.