Liverpool are set to welcome former midfielder Jay Spearing back to the club in a player/coach role for the U23’s.
According to The Telegraph, the veteran will return to Liverpool in an ‘innovative role’ created by academy director Alex Inglethorpe.
It’s claimed that Spearing will offer ‘invaluable experience’ to the youngsters he plays alongside. At the same time, the 33-year-old will be coaching some of the lower age groups.
Liverpool are said to have gleaned the idea from Manchester United. United welcomed back defender Paul McShane last year to perform a similar role at the club.
McShane wasn’t registered for first-team games and the same could be expected for Spearing.
Not the midfield signing we were expecting
In a summer where Liverpool fans are desperate for the club to sign a midfielder, this isn’t exactly what we meant!
Spearing was a combative player who made the most of his abilities. But with all due respect, he wouldn’t get near Jurgen Klopp’s current squad. Having just left Tranmere Rovers, he’s a free agent this summer.
Having said that, he’s a local lad who made it through the academy to play 55 games for the first-team. Passing on that kind of experience and know-how to those hoping to do the same is a great idea.
Liverpool currently have an excellent crop of young players in the academy. As many look to push on to the next level, it could make all the difference learning from someone who has been there and done it.
The likes of Tyler Morton and James Balgizi can look to Spearing to teach them the right habits for a career in the game.
And who knows, maybe we’ll even see the most unlikeliest of Liverpool career revivals if Klopp’s midfield options get decimated!
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