Liverpool Set to Appoint Man United Coach in Under-18s Role | OneFootball

Liverpool Set to Appoint Simon Wiles as Under-18s Coach: A New Chapter for the Academy

Liverpool are on the brink of securing a highly significant addition to their academy setup, with The Athletic reporting that the club is in advanced talks to appoint Simon Wiles as the new under-18s head coach.

Wiles, a former Blackpool midfielder, joined Manchester United’s academy only last September, but his swift rise through the coaching ranks has made him an attractive candidate. He will replace Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, who left after a decade of service and has since taken up the assistant manager role at Huddersfield Town.

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Wiles’ Journey Through Coaching

Preston-born Wiles has an intriguing coaching background. His early career saw him spend six years at Fleetwood Town, climbing the ladder from youth development coach to first-team coach, with short stints as interim head coach. He later joined Salford City as first-team coach before making the move to United’s academy, where he led the under-14s.

His playing career, which included spells at Blackpool, Macclesfield Town, Dunfermline Athletic and Barrow, was unfortunately cut short by injury.

The Athletic notes that Wiles “becomes the latest United academy coach to progress and leave for a raised position,” following the path of names like Justin Cochrane, Paul McShane and Tom Huddlestone.

Significant Academy Changes at Liverpool

Liverpool’s academy has undergone major changes this summer. Alongside Bridge-Wilkinson’s departure, under-21s boss Barry Lewtas also exited, with former Wales manager Rob Page arriving as his replacement. Page, fresh from his tenure with the Welsh national team where he led them to both the Euros and the World Cup, brings top-level experience.

Wiles will work closely with Anthony Ryan, a long-serving Liverpool academy figure who has been promoted from the under-15s to under-18s assistant coach. Ryan is currently leading the squad, having overseen their recent friendly win against Connah’s Quay Nomads.

What Wiles Brings to the Table

At just 40, Wiles has already accumulated a diverse range of coaching experiences. His ability to transition between youth and senior football, coupled with his grounding in player development, aligns well with Liverpool’s academy ethos.

One source told The Athletic, “Simon has impressed everywhere he’s gone, and Liverpool see him as someone who can help bring through the next generation.” His understanding of both the tactical and developmental sides of the game will be key as the club looks to continue producing talent for Arne Slot’s first team, especially after Slot’s Premier League-winning debut season.

Liverpool’s Academy Future Looks Bright

With Rob Page and Simon Wiles now part of the academy setup, Liverpool have shown a clear intent to strengthen the pathway from youth to senior football. The combination of fresh leadership and internal promotions like Anthony Ryan’s gives the academy a blend of new ideas and institutional knowledge.

Fans will be watching closely to see how these appointments shape the under-18s and under-21s sides, and whether they can continue Liverpool’s tradition of nurturing young stars.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this feels like an exciting and ambitious move. Simon Wiles may not be a household name, but his track record across several clubs and his recent work at Manchester United’s academy suggest he’s got something about him.

It’s also notable that Liverpool are not standing still despite Arne Slot’s brilliant start, with the academy getting as much attention as the first team. There’s been some anxiety among fans after losing respected figures like Marc Bridge-Wilkinson and Barry Lewtas, but bringing in Rob Page and now Wiles signals a clear plan.

The fact that Wiles will be working with Anthony Ryan, who knows the Liverpool setup inside out, should help smooth the transition. We’ll be curious to see how Wiles shapes the under-18s tactically and whether he focuses on individual development or team success, or ideally both.

Given Slot’s reputation for integrating young players, fans will hope this new-look academy can keep delivering talent ready for the first team. The club’s ability to spot coaching talent mirrors their approach in the transfer market: looking beyond the obvious names and focusing on people with the right skillset and mentality.

It’s a smart, forward-thinking appointment and one that suggests Liverpool are serious about maintaining their edge at every level.