Steven Gerrard today sealed a dream return to Liverpool in a coaching role as he insisted: “This is the right option at the right time.”
The Kop legend will start at the Academy in a full-time capacity next month and will work with various age groups at the club’s Kirkby base.
Gerrard, who hung up his boots last November following the end of his playing contract with LA Galaxy, can’t wait to get started as he looks to complete his UEFA A Licence and help guide the development of the Reds’ aspiring youngsters.
“It feels like completing the circle,” said Gerrard, whose Anfield career spanned 17 years prior to his departure in May 2015.
“I’m 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.”
Huyton-born Gerrard joined the Reds’ Centre of Excellence at the age of eight after being spotted playing for Whiston Juniors.
He went on to become the longest-serving captain in the club’s history - scoring 186 goals in 710 appearances. The 36-year-old remains the only player to have scored in the finals of the FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League and UEFA Cup.
Academy director Alex Inglethorpe believes the Academy staff and players will benefit massively from having Gerrard on board.
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.”
The Kop legend will start at the Academy in a full-time capacity next month and will work with various age groups at the club’s Kirkby base.
Gerrard, who hung up his boots last November following the end of his playing contract with LA Galaxy, can’t wait to get started as he looks to complete his UEFA A Licence and help guide the development of the Reds’ aspiring youngsters.
“It feels like completing the circle,” said Gerrard, whose Anfield career spanned 17 years prior to his departure in May 2015.
“I’m 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.”
Huyton-born Gerrard joined the Reds’ Centre of Excellence at the age of eight after being spotted playing for Whiston Juniors.
He went on to become the longest-serving captain in the club’s history - scoring 186 goals in 710 appearances. The 36-year-old remains the only player to have scored in the finals of the FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League and UEFA Cup.
Academy director Alex Inglethorpe believes the Academy staff and players will benefit massively from having Gerrard on board.
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.”
