Gerrard appointed Under 18s manager at Liverpool

Liverpool Football Club can confirm Steven Gerrard will be appointed as manager of the U18s team ahead of the 2017-18 season.

He'll start the role in the summer and replaces Neil Crtichley who will take charge of the U23s

Gerrard said: "I have really enjoyed my time at the Academy so far and feel I have learnt a lot from the coaching staff here already. After speaking to Alex Inglethorpe, we feel as though it is time for me to step up and manage my own team.

"Neil has done a fantastic job with the U18s, so I hope I can continue where he left off, encouraging and nurturing players into the U23s and eventually the first-team setup."

After hanging up his boots he returned to the Reds' Academy last year and for the last three months, he's been helping with the young players development - offering advice and guidance

For the last three months, Gerrard has operated in a wide-ranging role at the youth complex, working in the professional development phase of the young players and offering advice and guidance gleaned from his remarkable career.

Academy director Alex Inglethorpe said: "Steven has brought invaluable experience and knowledge to us since joining the Academy, passing on some fantastic advice and guidance to our younger players."

"We both feel now is the perfect time for him to take the next step in his coaching career and manage his own team."

"The U18 players can undoubtedly only learn from having someone like Steven in charge and we have no doubt that he will prove to be a huge success in the position.”