Former Watford captain and Wales boss Robert Page has been named as Liverpool Under-21's new head coach.
The 50-year-old has been out of work since leaving the Welsh national team job last June and he replaces Barry Lewtas.
Robert Page celebrates Watford's 1999 Play-Off Final victory at Wembley with Graham Taylor. _(Image: Action Images)_ The club’s academy director, and former Hornets forward, Alex Inglethorpe said: “Rob brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to a key role as young players look to bridge that gap from academy prospect to first-team footballer.
“His recent achievements in guiding Wales to the last 16 at Euro 2020 before qualifying for the 2022 World Cup speak for themselves but perhaps less heralded is the work that took place during his time in charge of the national team, which saw numerous pathway players make it into the senior squad.
“This is something we have seen first-hand at Liverpool with several of our academy players making significant progress on the international stage under Rob’s guidance.”
The former centre-half came up through the youth ranks at Vicarage Road and made more than 250 appearances for Watford from 1993 to 2002, memorably captaining the Hornets to victory over Bolton Wanderers in the 1999 Play-Off Final and leading Graham Taylor’s side in the club’s first season in the Premier League.
Page went on to play for Sheffield United, Cardiff City, Coventry City, Huddersfield Town and Chesterfield, taking his number of career appearances past 550, while also winning 41 full caps for Wales.
He managed the Wales Under-21s squad before getting the senior role, having also been at the helm at Port Vale and Northampton Town.