Friday 4 November 2016 13:01, UK
Liverpool have confirmed Michael Edwards has been promoted to the role of sporting director.
Edwards has served as the club's technical director for the past 15 months but has now been handed additional responsibilities which will see him take the lead on transfer negotiations and contract renewals.
The 37-year-old will help fill the void left by Ian Ayre when he steps down as Liverpool's chief executive officer at the end of the season after a decade in the role.
Edwards has already been working alongside Ayre to ensure a smooth transition and assisted in the club's transfer dealings during the summer.
Commenting on his new role, Edwards said: "I've been proud to be part of the football operations structure here at Liverpool and it's a great honour to be asked to lead it going forward, in this new role of sporting director.
"We have a brilliant team of people who all make a huge contribution to the process of player transfers and retention, together with recruitment for the senior team, development squad and our academy."
The move has been backed by manager Jurgen Klopp, who enjoys a strong relationship with Edwards, and has previously worked successfully with sporting directors at previous clubs Mainz and Borussia Dortmund.
Edwards, who has been at Liverpool since November 2011, will be put in charge of all football operations and will be responsible for player recruitment for both the first team and the club's academy but Klopp will continue to have final say on all signings.
Giving his reaction to the appointment, Klopp said: "This decision is hugely positive for us and it will make us better and stronger in managing the process of building and retaining playing talent at all age groups. Development is so important and it makes sense to have a position, within the football structure specifically, that focuses on where we can improve.
"It's no secret I like the concept of a sporting director and having worked under this model previously I have found it to be nothing but positive and forward thinking.
"Michael is absolutely the right person for this. He has the knowledge, expertise and personality to flourish in the role and I was delighted when he told me he would be accepting the position.
"Importantly, he also has a fantastic team of people around him, who have all played a significant role in putting together the talent we currently have in the first team, development squad and at even younger age levels."
Speaking at his pre-match news conference ahead of Liverpool's clash with Watford, live on Sky Sports 1, Klopp maintained he continues to hold the power over whether players should ultimately be recruited.
"I had the final say before; that's not actually news," Klopp said. "In moments when somebody is not happy with whatever and you ask here - your player or his player? It's always my player. I can't blame anyone for anything. I can take the pressure.
"It's about the work; there is a lot of work behind the scenes. You need the best people you can get. In this business, the manager cannot, should not, and is not allowed to be a one-man show.
"I'm a specialist in football things. I know a lot, but not everything, I like to have the best people around me. Michael is for sure one of the best I have met."
