Liverpool have promoted Barry Lewtas to Under-23s manager as replacement for Neil Critchley.
The Reds have reshuffled their youth ranks with underage football halted amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
And Lewtas, who joined the club as Under-12s boss in 2013, and has made his way through the ranks, now replaces Critchley after he was appointed Blackpool boss in March.
Lewtas has been Under-18s boss since replacing Steven Gerrard when the Anfield idol took charge of Rangers in 2018.
Lewtas’ role with the U18s is to be taken by Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, who will step up from the Under-16s.
Lewtas, highly-regarded in the halls of Melwood for the work he has done at the club’s Kirkby academy base, previously worked at Wigan and Bolton.
His promotion is just reward for his work with the club’s youngsters, while he led the U18s to the FA Youth Cup in 2019, defeating Manchester City on penalties.
Academy manager Alex Inglethorpe said: “Barry has been at the club for quite a few years now and has progressed through various age groups.
"This is another step for him.
“He creates a wonderful environment for the players and has struck a good balance between winning games and developing the talent we have.
“More important are his qualities as a person and he’s someone who cares passionately about those he works with and is totally dedicated to the game.
“I’m delighted he’s accepted the challenge.”
On Bridge-Wilkinson, who has over 400 Football League games under his belt, Inglethorpe added: “Marc came to us originally as an Under-14 coach and I like the fact he’s been a player and knows what it feels and smells like to be a player.
“He’s someone who is very passionate about improving his players as well as improving himself.
"As an individual he’s caring, patient and authentic.
“He knows how we want to work as an Academy and at this moment in time I think it’s important for us to have continuity.”
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