Al Ettifaq are in the middle of a reset.
The Dammam club closed the 2025/26 Roshn Saudi League in seventh place on 50 points, a full 36 behind champions Al Nassr, and while that was enough to secure a Gulf Club Champions League place, it was also a season that ended without a trophy and without much sense of momentum.
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Saad Al Shehri, the coach who had rescued them from a relegation scrap after Steven Gerrard’s departure in January 2025, moved on at the end of his contract.
In early July the club turned to Arthur Papas, the Greek Australian who signed a one year deal with an option for a further season after leaving Cerezo Osaka, where he was named manager of the year.
Papas knows the building, having worked there as an assistant back in 2017, and spoke on arrival about unfinished business.
With the new campaign beginning on 13 August, he has been busy reshaping both the squad and the staff around him.
That process has now claimed one of the last remaining links to the Gerrard era.
Andy Firth, the former Liverpool goalkeeper who had served as assistant first team goalkeeping coach since 2024, has left the club by mutual consent.
Firth confirmed the news himself on Instagram, describing the separation as mutual and reflecting on two years of experiences on and off the pitch.
He said, “After mutual termination, my time at @ettifaq has now come to an end. 2 years of amazing experiences & memories both on and off the pitch!”
”Helping the club achieve the highest points total in both seasons is something I’m extremely proud of
Massive thank you to @hatimalmisehal, the board, and both Steven & Saad for there trust and belief in me over the last 2 seasons.”
”Special mention to the staff at the club, l’ve been fortunate enough to meet some & work with some amazing people who’ve helped me massively!”
”To the players l’ve been fortunate enough to work with, thank you for your hard work & I wish you all the best going forward.”
”Another special shout out to all the players who’ve helped grow my collection of shirts, for a footie nerd like me it means everything to have these keepsakes
Saudi Arabia will always hold a special place in the heart of my family.”
”The place our son was born & our family started.”
“An amazing country we absolutely loved living in, I know we will be back one day.”
”Time for the next chapter in our lives… @bethanfirth”
Liverpool supporters of a certain vintage will remember the name.
Firth joined the Kirkby academy at under 11 level in 2007 and spent 11 years in the system, progressing through the age groups and taking loan spells at Witton Albion and Chester without ever making a senior appearance, before leaving in 2018 in search of regular football.
Barrow followed, then Rangers, where Gerrard signed him and where he became something of a cult figure while part of the 2021 title winning squad.
Loan time at Partick Thistle and a Welsh Cup win with Connah’s Quay Nomads came next, alongside a spell back at Liverpool running foundation phase goalkeeping.
He retired at 27 to coach full time, and at 29 he is now looking for his third act.