Liverpool make surprise appointment as international manager joins staff

Rob Page has taken the reins as Liverpool under-21s' new head coach following his departure from the Wales national team last June.

Page, who has been out of work since then, steps in to fill the shoes of Barry Lewtas and brings with him a wealth of experience both on the pitch and in management roles.

Alex Inglethorpe, the club's academy director, commented: "Rob brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to a key role as young players look to bridge that gap from academy prospect to first-team footballer.

"His recent achievements in guiding Wales to the last 16 at Euro 2020 before qualifying for the 2022 World Cup speak for themselves but perhaps less heralded is the work that took place during his time in charge of the national team, which saw numerous pathway players make it into the senior squad.

"This is something we have seen first-hand at Liverpool with several of our academy players making significant progress on the international stage under Rob's guidance."

Before taking on the senior national team, the 50-year old managed the Wales Under-21s and has also held managerial positions at Port Vale and Northampton.