Reliable Liverpool journalist James Pearce has revealed why Sporting Director Michael Edwards left the club this summer.
He joined the Reds in 2011 as a scout but came into particular success in his more senior role, masterminding some of the Reds’ most successful moves in recent years.
In an open letter to the supporters when he announced his future departure, Edwards spoke about his enjoyment during his ten-year stay.
"To be part of this club during this period has been a privilege due to the people I have been fortunate enough to work with and the success we have enjoyed."
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"But all good things must come to an end and, in my case, I recently completed my final summer window as Liverpool sporting director."
Julian Ward, often a man shadowing Edwards during his latter years at Anfield, has taken over from the former Tottenham man.
He played a significant role in the arrivals of Luis Diaz and Fabio Carvalho, and has since helped secure Darwin Nunez, Calvin Ramsay and, significantly, the long-term future of Mohamed Salah.
Pearce wrote in his column for ‘The Athletic’ that Edwards stepped away because it was ‘the right time’.
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“Edwards made it clear that he felt the time was right to step away and have a break after a decade of service to the club. It’s a stressful role and he’s got a young family.
“The owners were gutted to lose Edwards but understood his reasons for not wanting to sign a new contract."
"He’s been inundated with job offers and I’m not surprised that Premier League rivals are lining up to employ him. Last I heard he was going to take some time out. He’s earned it.”
It’s clear that because of Liverpool’s somewhat astounding track record for talent identification and shrewd transfer business that Edwards will be a wanted man, not only in the footballing world but in business too.
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In a role so crucial to the way Fenway Sports Group work, he was the perfect candidate.
Topics: Liverpool, Michael Edwards
Chris Stonadge