Rodgers and McAllister delighted by latest Liverpool coaching appointment

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Brendan Rodgers and Gary McAllister have expressed their mutual appreciation for each others talents, after the former Liverpool midfielder was appointed as our new first-team coach.

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McAllister, who became an iconic figure at Anfield when he played a crucial role in helping us win the treble in 2001, will join Rodgers’ new-look coaching staff in time for the start of our pre-season tour – which begins on Sunday.

Sean O’Driscoll and Pepijn Lijnders have already been appointed, replacing the duo of Colin Pascoe and Mike Marsh who were dismissed at the end of last season following an in-depth review by our owners.

Rodgers, who was speaking with our official website, said: “Gary has a special connection with this club and its supporters, and I’m delighted he is joining our team as first-team coach.

“When I met him I was struck by his passion, enthusiasm and knowledge for what we’re looking to achieve here.

“He has experience coaching at the highest level and is someone who can connect with players and help them learn from his knowledge and understanding of representing this great club.”

McAllister has enjoyed several coaching roles since hanging up his boots in 2004. He’s managed Coventry City and Leeds United, while he’s also done work at Middlesbrough and Aston Villa, where he was assistant to former Reds boss Gerard Houllier.

He’s been out of the game since 2011, but has told our official website that he could not be happier to be returning. He said: I’m delighted. I’m really excited about the prospect of coming back. It’s fantastic and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I feel as if I owe Liverpool, getting that opportunity at the last stage of my career, at 35 and getting that opportunity.

“This is similar, I feel the same as I did with that – that was a surprise phone call back then when I was given a chance to come and play at Liverpool as a 35-year-old.

“Right place at the right time, and I just hope it repeats itself. A lot of hard work and dedication… everything is there, Liverpool is a club where you can win things – that’s a fact.”

We wish Gary all the best for the new season!

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