Liverpool defender earns place alongside Steven Gerrard ahead of milestone Chelsea clash

In the corridors of the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby, Liverpool defender Gemma Bonner has managed to carve out her own piece of history.

The centre-back, who captained the Reds to back-to-back Women's Super League (WSL) titles during her first spell on Merseyside before returning for a second stint last January, has become the first female player to have a dressing room at the club's training base named in her honour. As such, she has earned herself a seat at an illustrious table, with Sir Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard and Robbie Fowler among the other legendary figures to have had a dressing room named after them.

The idea came from Academy director Alex Inglethorpe, who believed the "time was right" to pay tribute to one of Liverpool Women's most celebrated stars. For Bonner, who has supported the Reds all her life, the move is yet another sign of the club's commitment to forging a genuine synergy between its men's and women's teams.

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"It was extremely emotional to be honest and a big surprise," she tells the ECHO. "I think it's a huge honour to have something like that amongst such special players who have definitely left a legacy at the club.

"For me to see my name up there was definitely emotional and I don’t think it’s sunk in yet but hopefully I can inspire the next generation, not just of young girls but of young boys coming through the academy too. I think it’s a huge step for the club as well. It really means a lot to me."

And the honour could scarcely have arrived at a more fitting time. Already Liverpool Women's record appearance holder, Bonner will