Tuesday, June 09, 2009

New Liverpool FC Academy Director Frank McParland Outlines Future

Liverpool’s new Academy director Frank McParland has outlined plans for the overhaul of the club’s youth set-up.

Manager Rafael Benitez appointed McParland to conduct a review of the Academy earlier this year and the changes required continue apace.

As reported in the Daily Post yesterday John McMahon has taken over from Gary Ablett as reserve team coach, while several other changes to the coaching staff are expected over the coming weeks.

As many as 16 academy employees – including coaches, physiotherapists and sports scientists – have left the club in recent weeks.

And McParland is heading up a new set-up with new technical director Jose Segura, who has worked in Barcelona’s youth set-up, also on board.

McParland said: “Work continues to identify the best possible people to get the academy working properly again and producing players that can progress through to the first team.

“I hope to be able to confirm other additions to our team within the next month.

“We will examine every part of the academy’s operation and will be looking to make improvements not just in the coaching set-up, but also in areas such as medical, physio and fitness work.

“One new initiative will see the appointment of a head of sports science, who will tailor specific programmes for individual age groups to help them progress more quickly.”

No comments: