AnnouncementRichard Hughes appointed LFC's new sporting director

The 44-year-old will join the Reds after leaving his role as technical director at AFC Bournemouth, where he enjoyed a decade of successful stewardship of the south-coast club’s football operation.

Hughes will officially take over responsibilities at the AXA Training Centre on June 1 in advance of the 2024-25 campaign having been appointed by Michael Edwards, who was recently named Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of Football. The pair had previously worked together during Hughes’ playing career at Portsmouth.

In total, the former Scotland international made more than 300 career appearances, operating predominantly as a midfielder for Portsmouth and Bournemouth.

Commenting on his new position with Liverpool, Hughes said: “I am incredibly proud to be offered this opportunity. Liverpool FC is a unique club and I’m grateful to be given a chance to serve it in this capacity.

“People rightly talk about the rich history this organisation can boast, but it is the present and future which really excites me. Jürgen Klopp is leading an outstanding team and squad and alongside that the commitment to young players and their pathway to the first team is also outstanding.

“I am fully aware of the expectations and responsibilities that come with taking this position. It will be my job, working with Michael [Edwards] and leading the football operations team already in place, plus the wider staff at the AXA Training Centre, to make good decisions.

“That’s really what the job entails: you have to make the kind of good decisions which enhance the prospects of having a team that wins and excites the supporters. It is what Liverpool have done well for a very long time and the benefits are there for everyone to see.”

The appointment of Hughes is the first significant decision made by Edwards since assuming the newly created position of FSG CEO of Football. Restructuring the club’s football leadership falls under his purview, as does oversight of day-to-day on-pitch activity.

Reacting to today’s announcement, Edwards said: “I’m delighted Richard has agreed to join us in this vitally important position.

“I’ve known him for half of my life in a professional and personal capacity and he is absolutely someone who embodies the best values of Liverpool FC. I trust him completely.

“He has outstanding judgement and a track record of making smart decisions which benefit the organisations he represents.

“Both Richard and I are aware of the weight of responsibility that comes with working in this capacity for a club such as this. The fact he is excited and energised by the challenge ahead is important.

“It is clear to everyone that Jürgen will leave a legacy to build upon and in Richard we have the right person to make the key decisions and offer the leadership to take us forward into a bright future.

“As one very successful chapter will come to a close for Liverpool in the summer, the objective of everyone here is for another one to begin – and with Richard I am confident we have the right person in position for us to achieve this aim.”