Tranmere stalwart John Achterberg has spoken of his joy at landing a ‘dream job’ at Liverpool as he departs Prenton Park after 11 years.
The Dutchman, who turns 38 next month, will move to the Anfield outfit as a goalkeeping coach, working primarily with the reserves and youth teams under Xavi Valero’s stewardship.
Achterberg, who made more than 300 appearances for Rovers since arriving in England from FC Eindhoven in 1998, was player-goalkeeping coach at Tranmere, acting as understudy in the first team to Danny Coyne.
He becomes the latest big name to depart the Wirral club this summer following the exits of captain Antony Kay, assistant manager Peter Shirtliff plus manager Ronnie Moore – who was sacked on Friday despite taking Tranmere to the brink of the play-offs on a reduced budget from the previous season.
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 that the Tranmere fans will understand my move however as I’m joining one of the best clubs in the world.”
The Utrecht-born keeper was the longest-serving player at Prenton Park having been signed to replace the Everton-bound Steve Simonsen but had lost his regular number one spot in recent seasons with his role at the club being more focused on his increasing coaching commitments.
With numerous changes in personnel both on and off the pitch at Tranmere in recent weeks, Achterberg had faced an uncertain future with the League One outfit and needed no convincing when Liverpool came calling.
He said: “A chance like this doesn’t come along too often.
“Coaching is the future for myself, I’d 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, who was awarded a testimonial game at Prenton Park against an Everton XI last season, 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 said: “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 (Benitez) twice and I’ll be speaking to Xavi (Valero) soon to discuss our plans for training.”
The Dutchman, who turns 38 next month, will move to the Anfield outfit as a goalkeeping coach, working primarily with the reserves and youth teams under Xavi Valero’s stewardship.
Achterberg, who made more than 300 appearances for Rovers since arriving in England from FC Eindhoven in 1998, was player-goalkeeping coach at Tranmere, acting as understudy in the first team to Danny Coyne.
He becomes the latest big name to depart the Wirral club this summer following the exits of captain Antony Kay, assistant manager Peter Shirtliff plus manager Ronnie Moore – who was sacked on Friday despite taking Tranmere to the brink of the play-offs on a reduced budget from the previous season.
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 that the Tranmere fans will understand my move however as I’m joining one of the best clubs in the world.”
The Utrecht-born keeper was the longest-serving player at Prenton Park having been signed to replace the Everton-bound Steve Simonsen but had lost his regular number one spot in recent seasons with his role at the club being more focused on his increasing coaching commitments.
With numerous changes in personnel both on and off the pitch at Tranmere in recent weeks, Achterberg had faced an uncertain future with the League One outfit and needed no convincing when Liverpool came calling.
He said: “A chance like this doesn’t come along too often.
“Coaching is the future for myself, I’d 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, who was awarded a testimonial game at Prenton Park against an Everton XI last season, 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 said: “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 (Benitez) twice and I’ll be speaking to Xavi (Valero) soon to discuss our plans for training.”
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