Ex-manager ‘loves’ confirmed Liverpool plan to replace ‘incredible’ Edwards
Alex McLeish “loves” Julian Ward’s promotion as Michael Edwards’ successor at Liverpool.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted he “loves” seeing people come through the “system” both on and off the pitch.
Liverpool announced Ward, who is currently assistant sporting director, would take over the senior role when Edwards steps down at the end of the season.
In his open letter to fans, Edwards praised his colleague’s impact since joining the club.
The Reds chief insisted Ward is the “ideal” replacement.
As quoted by the Liverpool Echo (October 2020), Jurgen Klopp heralded Ward for his “incredible job” as loan and pathways manager.
The 40-year-old took on the role as assistant sporting director last year.
McLeish applauded the Reds’ decision to appoint from within and compared it to a youth player coming through the academy.
McLeish told Football Insider deputy editor Russell Edge: “I love it, promotion. I love the thought of promoting a young person or a person who’s done his apprenticeship with the likes of Michael Edwards.
“It’s the same in football, we all love to see young players making the grade.
“You feel proud when they come through.
“To be able to promote one of your guys through the system proves that your system’s working.”
Ward previously worked at north west rivals Manchester City before joining the recruitment team at Anfield in 2012.
Prior to working directly under Edwards, he was Liverpool’s director of loan management.
He set up the loan department at Anfield back in 2015.
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