Vicky Jepson has shared an emotional message to fans after her Liverpool side were relegated from the top tier of the women’s game on Friday.

The Super League final standings were decided on a points-per-game method meaning Chelsea came out on top while Liverpool finished at the bottom and will play in the Championship next season with Aston Villa taking their place.

“I just wanted to speak direct to you, our supporters, on what has been a tough couple of days for us all,” said the Macclesfield-born coach.

“The players, the backroom staff and everyone at LFC Women are of course hurting right now after the FA decision that we should be relegated. We know you are too.”

She highlighted her disappointment at not having a chance to fight for their place in the league after coronavirus caused it to be cancelled at the end of May.

“All we hoped for was the chance to finish the season on the pitch once it was safe to do so,” she said.

"We were confident we could produce the performances to get ourselves out of trouble and secure our position in the Women’s Super League.

“Unfortunately we did not get the opportunity to fight for that place on the grass and it’s a difficult pill to swallow. I’m very disappointed in the FA’s decision, taken with eight games of our season left.”

She assured fans that the team would fight their hardest when the Championship season kicks off at the beginning of September.

“We want to play our football in the WSL and now we must make it our mission to get back there as soon as possible,” she said.

"Our attention is already turning to next season, to the hard work ahead and to bouncing back at the earliest opportunity.

“That won’t be easy – there will be plenty of hurdles along the way – and it will only happen with your support.”

She hailed the commitment and support of the fans, adding: "Luckily we know that is something that we have always been able to depend on from both our match-going Reds and our supporters all around the globe.

"We need you now more than ever but together we will return our Women’s section to more successful times.

"Finally I’d like to reflect on the last few months which we know have been very difficult for you all.

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sport pales into insignificance compared to the effect it has had on so many families both here in the UK and around the world.”

She finished by sending her best wishes to the fans saying: "We hope most of all that you and your family are safe and well, and we look forward so much to the time when we can all come together around the game we love once again.

“YNWA.”

The coach had previously released a video on Friday in which she shared her disappointment at the relegation and how it had left her players ’heartbroken’.