Julian Ward could be about to return to one of the biggest jobs at Liverpool.
According to David Ornstein, conversations around the appointment of Liverpool’s next sporting director suggest that Ward currently stands a really good chance of getting the job.
But there is an important caveat.
The process is still ongoing, and Liverpool are continuing to consider external possibilities before making a final decision.
So this isn’t a done deal.
But it certainly feels like Julian Ward is emerging as a serious favourite.
Ward already knows Liverpool inside out
There would be one obvious advantage to bringing Ward back.
He already knows Liverpool.
Ward previously worked as the club’s sporting director before leaving the role, and he remains part of the wider FSG football structure.
That means he wouldn’t be walking into Anfield trying to understand how everything works.
He already knows the recruitment department.
He knows the scouting structure.
He knows the people.
And, importantly, he knows what FSG expect from their football operations.
Liverpool’s current structure already includes Ward alongside figures such as Pedro Marques, David Woodfine and Barry Hunter.
That continuity could be extremely valuable.
But should Liverpool simply promote from within?
This is where I’m slightly torn.
There is a very strong argument for Ward.
He knows the club, he knows the system and there would be no major settling-in period.
But Liverpool have just lost Richard Hughes after only two years in the sporting director role.
The club have also gone through significant changes at boardroom level, with Michael Edwards departing and Mike Gordon now overseeing the search for Hughes’ replacement.
So perhaps this is the moment for Liverpool to think differently.
Maybe they need a completely fresh voice.
Maybe they need somebody from outside the current structure who can come in and challenge the way things are done.
This is why the external option matters
Ornstein has specifically warned against discounting external candidates.
That tells me Liverpool aren’t simply preparing to hand the job to Ward.
There is still a proper process taking place.
And I actually think that’s a good thing.
Liverpool shouldn’t appoint somebody simply because they’re already at the club.
They need to appoint the best person for the job.
If that’s Julian Ward, brilliant.
If it’s somebody from outside who Liverpool believe can improve the football operation, then they should go down that route instead.
But Ward would have one massive advantage
For me, the biggest argument in Ward’s favour is continuity without having to start again.
Liverpool have already changed sporting directors several times in recent years.
Another completely new face would mean another person learning the club, understanding the recruitment structure and developing relationships with the coaching staff.
Ward wouldn’t have that problem.
And with Andoni Iraola now in charge, Liverpool need their football structure to work properly.
The sporting director needs to understand exactly what the manager wants from his squad, while also thinking beyond the next transfer window.
That means recruitment.
Contracts.
Squad planning.
Academy development.
Succession planning.
And making difficult decisions when necessary.
Liverpool need someone who can be ruthless
This is the part that matters most to me.
I don’t particularly care whether Liverpool appoint Julian Ward or somebody completely new.
I care whether they get the right person.
Liverpool cannot afford another appointment based purely on reputation.
The new sporting director needs to be able to look at the squad and say:
We need this.
We don’t need that.
This player should stay.
This player can go.
This position needs strengthening.
And then actually make those decisions.
The summer transfer window has shown why that matters.
Liverpool added some outstanding talent, including Bradley Barcola, but there were also obvious questions about squad balance and positions that weren’t strengthened.
The next sporting director will inherit those problems.
I wouldn’t be against Julian Ward returning
Personally, I wouldn’t be disappointed if Ward got the job.
In fact, I think it could make a lot of sense.
He’s already familiar with Liverpool, already understands FSG and already knows the people around the football operation.
There would be a certain stability to the appointment.
But I don’t want Liverpool to choose Ward simply because it’s the easy option.
If he’s the best candidate, give him the job.
If somebody outside the club is better qualified, appoint them instead.
That’s the standard Liverpool should be applying.
This appointment matters
Liverpool’s search for Richard Hughes’ successor is already underway, with the club confirming that the process will continue before the final decision is announced.
Now David Ornstein has provided another fascinating piece of information.
Julian Ward stands a really good chance.
That doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed to get the job.
It doesn’t mean Liverpool have ruled out external candidates.
But it does suggest that the man who already knows Liverpool extremely well could be preparing for another spell as sporting director.
And if that happens, I hope it isn’t simply because he’s already there.
I hope it’s because Liverpool genuinely believe Julian Ward is the best man for the job.
Because after all the changes at Anfield, that’s what this club needs now.
Stability.
Clear thinking.
Good recruitment.
And, above all, the right person making the big decisions.
Julian Ward could be that man.
But Liverpool need to be absolutely certain before they make the call.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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