Liverpool appoint former Wales boss Rob Page as new U21s head coach | OneFootball

Former defender takes up academy role at Anfield a year after being sacked as Wales manager

New role: Rob Page previously served as Wales head coach for three-and-a-half years

Getty Images

Liverpool have announced the appointment of Rob Page as their new Under-21s head coach.

Page previously spent three-and-a-half years leading the senior Welsh men’s national team from 2020-24, initially serving as Ryan Giggs’ assistant before later taking caretaker charge and then being handed the permanent job.

He guided Wales beyond the group stage at Euro 2020 and to their first appearance at a World Cup for 64 years at the 2022 winter tournament in Qatar, in addition to earning promotion to the top tier of the Nations League.

However, he was sacked last summer after failing to qualify for Euro 2024 and following a goalless friendly draw with minnows Gibraltar with a 4-0 thrashing by Slovakia. He was replaced in the role by Craig Bellamy.

Page previously served as Wales’ U21, U19 and U17 boss, having also coached at Nottingham Forest after opening managerial stints at Northampton and Port Vale, where also had spells as first-team coach and assistant manager.

His 18-year playing career as a defender included time with Watford, Sheffield United, Cardiff, Coventry, Huddersfield and Chesterfield, ending with his retirement in 2011. He also earned 41 senior international caps for Wales.

“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,” said Liverpool’s academy director Alex Inglethorpe.

“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.

“This level of experience in transitioning young footballers towards the professional game and on to the highest levels of domestic and international football will be a significant resource for all at the Academy, especially the players.

“Myself and all the staff are greatly looking forward to working with Rob as we endeavour to continue producing players capable of playing at the highest level and in the most demanding of arenas.”