The move was made to help players feel more comfortable while on their periods, with the change initially planned for the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign.
However, the Club have worked alongside manufacturers PUMA to bring the switch into immediate effect, with the team first wearing the new shorts in Wednesday’s 6-0 Continental Cup win over Blackburn.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of City’s Barclays Women’s Super League clash with Liverpool, Taylor described the decision as a ‘good step forward’ for both the game and female athletes in general.
He said: “I think there was good interaction from players and Club and then with our manufacturers in Puma.
“It’s great, a good step forward and good flexibility from us as a Club and Puma.
“The girls were fine, they were pleased with it and just got on with it. For many of us, it was only when we saw the shorts that we realised there was a difference.
“A lot of this discussion had gone on previously outside of a few of the staff members but it’s great that everyone’s on board with it.
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“I’m sure pretty much everyone would agree we’re moving things forward.
“There’s plenty of considerations now for female athletes which are important for them to be the best versions of themselves.
“There’s a much better awareness now, it’s more openly talked about, I think it’s only good for the girls and for the game as well.”
City are back in WSL action this Sunday when we welcome Liverpool to the Academy Stadium for a 14:00 (UK) kick-off.
Taylor’s side come into the tie – which is available to watch live on CITY+ and Recast - aiming for a fourth successive victory in all competitions since the international break.
But having experienced a tough encounter with Liverpool in pre-season, the Reds’ opening day victory over reigning champions Chelsea demonstrates their capability in the top flight.
However, the boss is confident that, should we focus on our own performance, we have enough to pick up all three points.
“Matt’s [Beard] got a wealth of experience, he’s really knowledgeable and has had success previously,” Taylor added.
“He did well getting them back up to the WSL, where they rightly belong as a team. They’re hardworking and brave in what they do.
“We’re expecting a tough test, we played them in pre-season and we’ve seen what they can do earlier on against Chelsea.
“It’s a tough opponent for us but I always put it back to what we do.
“If we look after ourselves and what we’re trying to do we’ll come out hopefully on the right side of the result.”
City v Liverpool
Our WSL clash with Liverpool is available to watch live on CITY+ and Recast.
The match gets under way at 14:00 (UK), with Chris Sharples and former City stopper Karen Bardsley guiding you through the action from the commentary box.
Available for just £2.99 per month across all our digit platforms, a CITY+ subscription and provides supporters with unrivalled access to new and exclusive City content.
It will allow you to watch full-match replays of all Men’s and Women’s matches, selected broadcasts of Women’s, Elite Development Squad and Academy matches and provides access to the full catalogue of City Studios documentaries.
The official Man City Recast channel offers fans flexible, pay-per-view live fixtures and on demand viewing options including match action from across the years, legend interviews, Best of Series, Man City Esports and City Studios documentaries.
