Liverpool announce new sporting director after Richard Hughes exit | OneFootball

Julian Ward has been appointed as Liverpool’s new sporting director, the club confirmed on Saturday morning.

The former technical director for Fenway Sports Group – whose association with Liverpool stretches back more than 14 years – steps into the role following the departure of Richard Hughes, who vacated the position at the start of the month to move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.

Speaking to the club’s official website, FSG president Mike Gordon praised the decision: “The knowledge and expertise Julian brings will only enhance our football operations, while also ensuring (head coach) Andoni (Iraola) is provided with the support he requires as he continues to make such a positive impression as head coach.

“Julian’s appointment also represents the continuation of a long-standing relationship which has always served Liverpool well, and we very much look forward to the next stage in its development.”

Ward originally arrived on Merseyside in 2012, initially supporting strategy across player development, recruitment, and scouting. He is thought to have had a big role in the signings of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Alex Mac Allister during that time.

Ward will lead the football operation, working with assistant sporting director David Woodbine, chief scout Barry Hunter and FSG director of football development Pedro Marques, with the Reds believing the appointment shows the faith they have in the people already working within the football operation at Anfield.

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Richard Hughes stepped down earlier this month (PA)

Commenting on his new role, Ward said: "I am incredibly excited to take on this role and it goes without saying that I am hugely grateful for the trust that has been placed in me by ownership.

“Having been part of Liverpool’s football operation for more than a decade, I have a full appreciation and first-hand knowledge of the challenge that comes with the position, as well as a clear understanding of the demands and ambitions of this great club.

“This is an exciting period for Liverpool – on and off the pitch – in which change and opportunity go hand in hand, but at the same time the culture, values and principles that have underpinned the club for so long remain as strong as ever.

“As a football club, we will continue to create an environment that maximises performance while promoting the continued development of our players and our people.

“In Andoni, together with the wider team of staff across the AXA Training Centre, the Academy and AXA Melwood, we have the expertise, talent and conditions required to keep driving the club forward.

“Building on these strong foundations and the work overseen by our football operations in recent seasons is both a huge responsibility and a privilege.”