AnnouncementJulian Ward appointed LFC sporting director

Ward, who most recently served as Fenway Sports Group’s technical director, takes up his new position with immediate effect.

Ward’s association with LFC stretches back more than 14 years. He initially joined the club’s football operation in 2012 to support its scouting, recruitment and player development strategy.

Before joining the Reds, he worked in both club and international football with Manchester City and the Portugal national team.

During his first spell with Liverpool, he held a number of senior strategic positions, including European scouting manager and director of loan player management.

Ward also served as assistant sporting director and sporting director earlier this decade, before stepping down from the latter position in 2023.

FSG president Mike Gordon said: “We are delighted that Julian has agreed to take over leadership of our football operations department at this juncture, primarily because it is a role for which we believe he is the ideal candidate given his extensive experience of the football industry in general and Liverpool Football Club in particular.

“The knowledge and expertise he brings will only enhance our football operations, while also ensuring 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 added: “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.”