November 10, (THEWILL) – Michael Edwards, Liverpool’s sporting director, is set to depart the club when his contract expires at the conclusion of the season, and his assistant Julian Ward will take his place.
After several attempts to persuade the 42-year-old to stay put and accept a contract extension, owners Fenway Sports Group have been forced to concede his departure.
Edwards, who joined Liverpool as head of performance and analysis in 2011 and was elevated to sporting director five years later, was ready to go and take on a new challenge early this year.
According to sources close to Edwards, he does not have another job lined up and has dismissed rumours that he could join Eddie Howe at Newcastle United.
Ward was named assistant sporting director in December 2020, and in the previous year, he solidified his relationship with the club’s owners. He helped secure Ibrahima Konate’s £36 million transfer and a slew of contract extensions for players like Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Edwards is said to have played a crucial role in finding and training Ward as the finest candidate to succeed him. Anfield executives feel the club will gain from “an orderly and well managed transition” with Edwards continuing until the conclusion of the season.
Since joining Liverpool from Manchester City as the club’s European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal in 2012, Ward has proven to be a valuable asset. When Liverpool created the new post of loan routes and football partnerships manager in 2015, he took over.
Edwards penned an open letter to the club’s supporters that was posted on Liverpoolfc.com. He wrote: “I had always planned to cap my time at the club to a max of 10 years. I’ve loved working here, but I am a big believer in change. I think it’s good for the individual and, in a work setting, good for the employer, too.
“Over my time here we have changed so many things (hopefully for the better) but someone new brings a different perspective, new ideas and can hopefully build (or change) on the things that have been put in place beforehand.”
Speaking about Ward, Edwards added: “Julian has been building up the skill set for this role for many years. Last year, he took on the role of assistant sporting director and over the past 12 months he has been introduced to other facets of the role that are vital to its success. I believe he is ideal for the role.
“Over the coming season I will continue to support him as we complete the leadership transition.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
