Fenway Sports Group have expressed disappointment at the imminent departure of Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards - but are convinced they have made the right decision in appointing Julian Ward as his successor.
Edwards, who first arrived at Anfield in November 2011 before assuming his current role in 2016, will leave at the end of the season after choosing not to extend his contract.
He will remain at Liverpool until the summer to help oversee the transition of power to Ward, who was installed as assistant sporting director last December.
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And FSG president Mike Gordon, who has worked closely with Edwards throughout his time at the club, has paid warm tribute while giving strong backing for the incoming Ward.
“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 say both will forever be part of our collective story.
“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."
Gordon added: “Michael’s contribution and achievements will stand the test of time given the role he has played in helping to rebuild and shape the club into what we see today, but a more substantial tribute and recognition can be paid when he actually departs.
“Importantly, we believe we have a lot of elite, industry-leading individuals as part of the wider-football operations team, all of whom will of course remain with us, working with and supporting Julian.”
