Michael Edwards has given notice to the club’s ownership of his wish to pursue a new challenge when his contract ends.
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Liverpool Football Club have announced that Michael Edwards will step down as sporting director at the end of this season. The 42-year-old has given notice to the club’s ownership of his wish to pursue a new challenge when his contract ends. Julian Ward, currently assistant sporting director, will be promoted after Edwards’ departure, taking on the more senior role. The 40-year-old previously held the position of director of loan management. Edwards joined the Reds in 2011 as head of analytics. He was subsequently promoted to director of technical performance and later technical director.
In November 2016, he assumed the newly created position as sporting director, leading the club’s overall football development. A significant part of his responsibilities included player identification, acquisition, retention and sales.
“To be part of this club during this period has been a privilege due to the people I have been fortunate enough to work with and the success we have enjoyed. I had always planned to cap my time at the club to a max of 10 years. I’ve loved working here, but I am a big believer in change. I think it’s good for the individual and, in a work setting, good for the employer, too. Over my time here we have changed so many things (hopefully for the better) but someone new brings a different perspective, new ideas and can hopefully build (or change) on the things that have been put in place beforehand,” said Edwards in a letter as quoted by Liverpool’s official website.
“Julian has been building up the skill set for this role for many years. Last year, he took on the role of assistant sporting director and over the past 12 months he has been introduced to other facets of the role that are vital to its success. I believe he is ideal for the role. Over the coming season I will continue to support him as we complete the leadership transition,” he added.
Fenway Sports Group’s Mike Gordon paid tribute to Edwards for his work with the club.
“It is, of course, disappointing to be losing in due course a person who is as talented as Michael is, but we respect his wishes to seek a new challenge at the appropriate time for him. He and his amazing family will be missed at LFC. None more so than his wife and partner Emily. The friendships that have been forged will outlast all such decisions and I feel privileged to be able to say both will forever be part of our collective story,” said Gordon.
“Having valued leaders who decide to move on is unfortunately part and parcel of running any organisation. It is our responsibility to make the best decisions for our immediate, medium and long-term future with any subsequent appointments and restructure. In this regard, I firmly believe that in Julian Ward we are fortunate to have that leader already within our structure and I am very excited at the prospect of continuing to work with him through the transition as he assumes the role of sporting director when Michael eventually departs, particularly as I have no doubt that he is more than absolutely ready for the new responsibilities that he will take on,” he added.
