Liverpool announce ex-Wales boss will join coaching staff in shock move

Liverpool have confirmed that Rob Page has moved to Anfield and will become the new manager of their U21s after his spell as Wales boss came to an end. He led his national side for four years, taking them to their first World Cup for more than 60 years.

Bosses at Anfield were keen to overhaul their youth set-up this summer after long-serving U21s boss Barry Lewtas stepped down. Their U18s head coach, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, also chose to leave the club.

Page, who was succeeded at Wales boss by ex-Liverpool star Craig Bellamy, was identified as the perfect individual to work with the young talent on the club's books. He has done so previously having been the Wales U21 manager. That's alongside spells at Port Vale and Northampton.

The ex-Wales boss guided his country to Euro 2020 and then the World Cup two years later. Only a penalty shootout denied them a spot at Euro 2024 and a third successive major tournament.

Throughout his time in charge he continued to back youth and two men who are at Liverpool - Owen Beck and Lewis Koumas - were both given opportunities and have become Welsh internationals.

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In Premier League 2 last season Liverpool's U21s finished 16th out of 26 teams, winning seven of their 20 matches with Page now tasked with improving that showing.

The club's Academy director Alex Inglethorpe said: "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. This level of experience in transitioning young footballers towards the professional game and on to the highest levels of domestic and international football will be a significant resource for all at the Academy, especially the players.

"Myself and all the staff are greatly looking forward to working with Rob as we endeavour to continue producing players capable of playing at the highest level and in the most demanding of arenas."

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