Liverpool appear to be entering the final stages of deciding who will become the club’s new Sporting Director.
According to Wilson Cox LFC, Mike Gordon is leading the process, with both internal candidates and potential candidates from elsewhere still under consideration.
Amit Bhatia has also had some input into the shortlist, but the final decision remains firmly with Liverpool’s ownership.
That makes this a particularly interesting appointment for the club.
The Sporting Director role is hugely important at Liverpool, particularly with the club continuing to develop its football structure and looking to build for the future.
There are familiar names among the internal candidates.
Julian Ward and David Woodfine are both understood to be under consideration.
Ward would certainly be a fascinating option given his previous experience at Liverpool. He was heavily involved in the club’s recruitment structure before eventually leaving the role, and his knowledge of Liverpool’s football operation could make him an obvious candidate.
Woodfine is another name who knows the club extremely well and has considerable experience behind the scenes.
However, Liverpool are also considering candidates from outside the club.
Interestingly, the identities of those external candidates are currently only known within the club’s senior leadership.
That suggests Liverpool are keeping the process particularly tight-lipped until a decision has been made.
And that decision could now be coming soon.
For supporters, whoever gets the job will have an important responsibility.
Liverpool have already shown under Andoni Iraola that there is plenty to be excited about on the pitch, but maintaining and improving the squad will require strong recruitment decisions behind the scenes.
The recent concerns over squad depth have also highlighted just how important recruitment will be.
Liverpool have an excellent starting team, but there is still work to do to ensure the squad is strong enough to compete across every competition.
The new Sporting Director will therefore have a major role in helping Iraola develop the squad, identifying future targets and ensuring Liverpool remain ahead of their rivals in the transfer market.
With Mike Gordon leading the process and ownership having the final say, Liverpool now appear to be very close to finding the person they believe is right for the next stage of the club’s development.
Whether that is a familiar face in Julian Ward or David Woodfine, or a completely new name from outside the club, supporters may not have to wait much longer to find out.
A decision is expected soon — and it could be one of the most important appointments Liverpool make this season.
Source: Wilson Cox LFC
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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