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Wales head coach Rob Page has joined Liverpool as their Under-21s manager.
The 50-year-old had a four-year stint in charge of Wales and steered them to Euro 2020 qualification after taking charge midway through the campaign and then led them to their first World Cup since 1958.
He also took them within a penalty shoot-out of Euro 2024 qualification and championed promoting young players to the fold. Owen Beck and Lewis Koumas, both on Liverpool’s books, are two who have recently become fully-fledged internationals.
Liverpool chiefs were keen to overhaul their youth setup this summer with long-serving U21s boss Barry Lewtas stepping down and U18s head coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson also leaving the club.
The Anfield hierarchy liked the look of Page given his youth development across his career – he has also managed the Wales Under 21s, Port Vale and Northampton – and see him as the perfect fit to bridge the gap between youth and senior football.
FC 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.’
