Julian Ward RETURNS to Liverpool as Michael Edwards reunites the band

Michael Edwards has brought Julian Ward back to Liverpool as the new Technical Director of Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

Edwards, formerly the Reds’ sporting director, himself returned to Liverpool at the start of March after being appointed FSG CEO of Football.

Ward took over as sporting director when Edwards left that role in 2022, but only served in the role for a year before deciding to take a break from football.

However, Edwards has now persuaded Ward to return to the club, hiring him as FSG’s technical director, according to James Pearce of The Athletic.

JULIAN WARD RETURNS TO LIVERPOOL

Pearce reports that Ward will be tasked with “overseeing player development” and his responsibilities will include “overseeing Liverpool’s academy, FSG’s loan department, elite player development strategies at group level and establishing the new FSG’s football innovation”.

He will also be involved in overseeing operations at any other clubs acquired by FSG, with Liverpool expected to use a multi-club model.

Edwards has already hired Richard Hughes to be the club’s new sporting director and, alongside Ward, the former Bournemouth boss will be involved in acquiring young talent and developing academy graduates.

According to Pearce, Liverpool have also hired Benfica’s Pedro Marques as director of football development, and he will report to Ward going forward.

The Portuguese’s role will include “overseeing the development of youth players and their transition to first-team football, leading to the recruitment of coaches and overseeing a youth structure of 39 teams and approximately 600 players.”