Andoni Iraola‘s tour of the AXA Training Centre saw him meet Liverpool chiefs Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, but his visit was led by another key figure.
As Iraola completed his move to become Liverpool head coach, the Spaniard was shown around the facilities at both the AXA Training Centre and Anfield.
While at the training ground he was greeted by CEO of football Edwards and sporting director Hughes, both of whom were instrumental in his appointment.
But interestingly, he was then led around the site by assistant sporting director David Woodfine, who provided a detailed explanation of what is available.
That included showing Iraola the AXA’s meeting rooms for tactical briefings, the players’ changing area and the outdoor pitches where the majority of sessions will be held.
“This is the most important part,” Iraola told Woodfine as they walked outside.
He was also shown his office and the staff briefing room, before being taken to the first-team cafeteria to meet the kitchen staff and chefs, and then into the gym and indoor training area.
Edwards, Hughes and technical director Julian Ward were present for parts of the tour but it was led by Woodfine.
Is David Woodfine Liverpool’s next sporting director?
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 1, 2025: Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
While this likely fell into his duties as assistant sporting director, that the 46-year-old is working so closely with Iraola could indicate his growing responsibility.
As was the case with Arne Slot and his staff, Edwards and Hughes’ contracts expire in 2027 and there is no indication that they plan to stay beyond that.
In fact, the Telegraph‘s Sam Wallace reported in April that both agreed to join the club knowing they would only fulfil the deals they signed and not extend further.
Hughes has been subject of continued interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal and it is even claimed that he has already committed to taking over as their sporting director after the summer transfer window.
If and when he does leave, Liverpool will need to source a direct replacement – and it stands to reason that Woodfine would be among the contenders.
Fenway Sports Group promoted from within when Edwards vacated the sporting director role himself in 2022, with Ward stepping up from his role as assistant.
The logic is that the time spent effectively shadowing the role would prime Woodfine to take over.
Woodfine, who also worked alongside Edwards at Portsmouth, had already held roles as scouting and recruitment coordinator, head of football projects and director of loan management in nine years at Liverpool before a short break between 2023 and 2024.