IT’S been a busy week for City of Liverpool FC as they continue to prepare for the forthcoming 2020/21 season.

Since the club’s membership purchase and renewal window opened at the beginning of July, there have been a number of new developments and a flurry of new signings, as well as existing players signalling their intent to continue with the club into the next campaign.

Two weeks ago, the Morning Star reported on one of the biggest developments at the club during this period as they took the reins at the King George V sports complex in Huyton.

The facility will be a community hub for many activities including but not limited to sports and exercise. It will also provide a base for the club, acting as a training base for the first team and home ground for the community, junior, youth, veterans and legends teams.

Any new members will become part of a club which not only has big ambitions on the pitch, but is important off it too. It’s as much a grassroots movement as it is a grassroots football club.

Since the signings of forwards Tony Gray and Craig Cairns in June, the club have announced a further six signings involving either existing players signalling their intent to stay on for the next season, or others arriving from elsewhere.

New faces include Dominic Reid, who originally arrived at the club last season but was unable to make his debut due to injury; central defender Jordan Barrow from Flint Town United; and right-back and former Everton youth player James Yates.

Yates had been out of the game for a short period since leaving his previous club Witton Albion, but is glad to be able to return to action with a Liverpool-based team, commenting: “I’ve heard a lot about the club so I’m pleased to sign, and I’m looking forward to getting back playing in my home city.”

Just this week, the club announced the signing of left-back Louis Corrigan from Runcorn Linnets.

“I’m delighted to welcome Louis to the football club,” Purps manager Craig Robinson told the club website.

“He’s a player with quality that brings a lot of experience at this level, as well as goals and assists to the squad.”

Meanwhile, club captain James McCarten has committed to the club for another season, and exciting attacking midfielder Jack Hazelhurst has done the same.

Hazelhurst missed spells of last season due to injury, much to the disappointment of the player himself, and the fans, who have nicknamed him the Purple Messi. 

The attacking midfielder, or No 10, has the ability to create from any situation, and can often be the spark in the Purps’ attack. He’s right-footed, but has scored some memorable goals with his left, most notably against Warrington Town and Skelmersdale United last season.

“To have Jack signed up for next season is a big plus for us as a club,” says Robinson. “He is a tremendous talent and has the ability to create and score goals out of nothing. 

“He’s a fan’s favourite and has us all on the edge of our seats when the ball is at his feet. He had a frustrating season last season due to injury so I know he’s excited for the new season to start.

“The best thing about Jack is he is still only young and learning the game and he is only going to get better.

“He matches our ambition as a club to keep improving and striving for success so I couldn’t be happier to have him signed up for the new season.”

There are a variety of different membership options available at City of Liverpool ahead of the new season, from the basic annual membership and vote, to the Purple Membership which includes a season ticket plus plenty of other extras.

The club also offer options for international supporters through the Brigade Internacional. This means fans from across the globe can support a club dedicated to inclusion and whose community work goes hand in hand with the game of football.