Gary O’Neil has been appointed as assistant manager of Liverpool’s Under-23 side.
The former Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and West Ham midfielder will work under Barry Lewtas, having received a personal recommendation from Reds sporting director Michael Edwards.
It is felt that the 37-year-old, who has been without a club since leaving Bolton last year, will bring a wealth of experience from a 19-year professional career.
Liverpool’s youngsters have already returned to their Academy in Kirkby to begin pre-season training, so O’Neil will get to work straight away, with a number of behind-closed-doors friendly matches already scheduled for later this month.
Speaking following his appointment, O’Neil said: “I’m really excited. I’ve been desperate to get going.
“It’s been going on for a little while and obviously with the break and the Academy having to take an even longer break than the first team, I’ve had to wait a little while, but now it’s finally come around and I’m really excited and can’t wait to get going.”
Regarding working with Lewtas, he added: “Barry is great. He has got a wealth of experience of working with the boys.
“Obviously he’s come through a lot of the age groups with the lads as well so he knows them very well. I’m getting to see them with a fresh set of eyes which can be useful as well but Barry offers a wealth of experience, while obviously I’m new into coaching.
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“I think as a team me and Barry will work very well and there’s some fantastic players to work with. For me to have the opportunity to work with such a talented group of young players at such an early part of my coaching career I feel very privileged.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
