Tranmere Rovers veteran John Achterberg today spoke of his delight after being appointed reserve team goalkeeping coach at Liverpool.
The Dutchman, who turns 38 next month, will join Rafa Benitez's backroom team in pre-season after more than 10 years and 300 appearances at Rovers.
He will work primarily with the reserves and youth teams under Xavi Valero's stewardship.
Achterberg said: "This is a dream chance – I need to take it with both hands.
"It's a massive wrench for me to leave Tranmere after so many years - the fans there have always been so great to me and hopefully they always will be.
"I'd like to think the Tranmere fans will understand my move, however, as I'm joining one of the best clubs in the world.
"A chance like this doesn't come along too often.
"Coaching is the future for myself. I've been doing more and more of it at Tranmere in recent years and that's where I needed to progress.
"In the same way you want to play at the best club possible as a player, you want to do the same as a coach.
"When you hear a whisper that Liverpool might want you there's not much thinking needed in your decision – you need to do what is best for yourself."
Achterberg will be reunited at Melwood with former Tranmere colleague John McMahon, who has left his job as assistant manager at Shrewsbury Town to replace Gary Ablett as Liverpool's reserve team manager.
He added: "It will be nice to work with John. I've always got on really well with him and have a very positive work relationship.
"I can't wait to start. I've already met Rafa twice and I'll be speaking to Xavi soon to discuss our plans for training."
The Dutchman, who turns 38 next month, will join Rafa Benitez's backroom team in pre-season after more than 10 years and 300 appearances at Rovers.
He will work primarily with the reserves and youth teams under Xavi Valero's stewardship.
Achterberg said: "This is a dream chance – I need to take it with both hands.
"It's a massive wrench for me to leave Tranmere after so many years - the fans there have always been so great to me and hopefully they always will be.
"I'd like to think the Tranmere fans will understand my move, however, as I'm joining one of the best clubs in the world.
"A chance like this doesn't come along too often.
"Coaching is the future for myself. I've been doing more and more of it at Tranmere in recent years and that's where I needed to progress.
"In the same way you want to play at the best club possible as a player, you want to do the same as a coach.
"When you hear a whisper that Liverpool might want you there's not much thinking needed in your decision – you need to do what is best for yourself."
Achterberg will be reunited at Melwood with former Tranmere colleague John McMahon, who has left his job as assistant manager at Shrewsbury Town to replace Gary Ablett as Liverpool's reserve team manager.
He added: "It will be nice to work with John. I've always got on really well with him and have a very positive work relationship.
"I can't wait to start. I've already met Rafa twice and I'll be speaking to Xavi soon to discuss our plans for training."
