More coaching shake-up's brings Dalglish return closer

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is continuing his summer shake up of the academy with the departure of four of his coaches reports the Mail. “Gary Ablett is being replaced as reserve team manager after three years, another former player, Hugh McAuley, who guided the under 18s to the FA Youth Cup Final is also departing. Youth coaches Dave Lever and Dave Shannon are also leaving. Frank McParland will return to oversee the backroom set-up and former Barcelona and Olympiakos coach Jose Segura is taking over as Academy Director.” The wholesale changes appear to pave the way for Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish to return to the club as an “advisor or ambassador” claims the article. The story also states that “popular former midfielder Gary McAllister is also being linked with a coaching role.”

Liverpool appoint former Barcelona coach for Academy

Liverpool have appointed former Olympiacos mananger and Barcelona coach Jose Segura as Academy Technical Manager reports the official site. The 48-year-old will take up his new position on June 1st. He will report to Academy director Frank McParland and will bring huge experience to the role, having worked at FC Barcelona for both their youth system and Barca B team. During his time with the Catalan giants, he helped develop players of the calibre of Andres Iniesta, Victor Valdes, Gerard Pique, Bojan Krkic, Cesc Fabregas and Mikel Arteta. He later enjoyed great success in Greece. Firstly with AEK Athens and then as assistant coach at Olympiacos before succeeding Takis Lemonis as manager and leading them to a Greek league and cup double in 2008.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez commented: "There's a lot to do at the Academy, but we've worked hard to bring in the best people and Jose is a great appointment. "He's worked with some of the top young talent in Spain and knows the challenges faced in bringing through players to the first team set-up. He's also got experience at the top after his success with Olympiacos and I'm delighted that he's agreed to join us."