Football
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is set for a return to the
club in a full-time capacity to take up a position within the Academy.
Gerrard will serve as a coach at the youth complex in Kirkby,
operating in a wide-ranging role in the professional development phase of the
young players.
Having spent 17 years at Liverpool after graduating through
the ranks at the Academy, Gerrard will begin his responsibilities in February.
The 36-year-old will bring with him invaluable experience and
expertise garnered from a glittering career at the highest level, as well as
unparalleled knowledge of the fabric and ethos of Liverpool Football Club.
In turn, the new role will provide Gerrard with the
opportunity to enhance his coaching skills and development under the
stewardship of Alex Inglethorpe, with the former midfielder eager to not only
make a substantial contribution towards the progression of young players, but
also to learn from those around him.
Gerrard said: "It feels like completing the circle;
returning to the place where professionally it all began. However, this isn't a
decision based on emotion - it's about what I can offer and contribute to
Liverpool.
"I don't think I need to explain to people what this
football club means to me, but when I knew coming back was a serious option I
wanted to make sure it was a substantive role and a role in which I could
really help the organisation.
"Meeting with Alex Inglethorpe, seeing the work they are
currently doing and want to do in the future at Kirkby, it just felt right. The
right option at the right time, for all parties involved.
"This gives me a great opportunity to learn and develop
as a coach, while at the same time offering my knowledge, ideas and experience
to the young players at an important period of their development."
Academy Director, Inglethorpe believes Gerrard’s appointment
will prove hugely beneficial for all parties concerned.
He said: "If I was to pick one individual who embodies
the characteristics and values we are looking to instil into our organisation
at Kirkby it would be Steven Gerrard. For him to have been so enthusiastic
about being part of what we are looking to do is simply great news for everyone
connected to the club.
"I don't think it would surprise anyone to know that
Steven has had a host of great options, in terms of what to do next in his
career, including playing, management and coaching. But it's been evident from
the first meeting with him that his heart and head belongs here.
"He has shown great humility in making it clear from the
outset he wants a role where he can contribute to Liverpool; it's typical of
him that his priority has been defining the role so it helps the Club, ahead of
himself.
"He has expressed a desire to learn from us and manage a
young team. The benefits to us will be immense. This is a substantial role and
one which makes the Academy and the club in general stronger and better."
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