Agreed. I argued this was a problem in an international window before the end of the season. Imo that was the time to move Slot and give some time to a new manager. I assumed that we could magic one up at that time I guess.
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That is the wrinkle to this whole story…if Francis is already there doing Hughes’ job what is Hughes supposed to be going there for?
Is it possible that Hughes already had ideas of a more executive level role and so the pitch to him by Edwards was to come in for the short term and be mentored him while he mentored Woodfine to take over from him?
There is obviously a lot we dont know, but I dont get why in these situations so many people are quick to jump to the version of the story that makes us look the most incompetent when we have been one of the best run clubs in football for over a decade.
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I think we should also take a look at the club here as well as Hughes.
Edwards left the role in 2022. Julian Ward didn’t last 12 months did he? Then there was big Jorg for just a summer and now Hughes gone in less than two years.
That isn’t the kind of stability you want. Add in Dave Fallows going to and we’re turning over a lot of senior people in that recruitment area at some rate.
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Regardless of the intricacies, swapping one of the biggest clubs in the world for one in Saudi Arabia doesn’t look good for Hughes. It’s a massive downgrade and you do have to question his commitment to a job that he’s going to leave in less than 3 months.
As for the club, stability is needed. There is too much turnover both at the managerial level and the sporting level.
I think Jurgen gained more power than Edwards wanted, and that’s why he walked. Everything after has been poor, then Jurgen left, and although we won the league, things haven’t been stable.
Re. Hughes and long term role of SD - the club shouldn’t have put him on a 2 year deal imo. Make it 5 minimum.
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It was a 3 year deal anyhow.
While I am not particularly disappointed to see Hughes depart, I am concerned about the fact that he’s leaving right as we appoint a new manager in the midst of a vital transfer window. I’m also concerned about some of the instability on the sporting side, where we’ve had five different sporting directors in the last four years (Edwards, Ward, Klopp/Schmadtke, Hughes, and now whomever is lined up to replace him). I know Edwards and Ward are back and were known quantities, but Edwards only has a year left on his deal and I’m sure Ward will follow him.
It could really undermine our longterm recruitment model if we’re cycling through SDs on a regular basis. In effect, the power then starts to rest with the voice in the room who stays - and that may end up being Iraola (for better or worse). And if that is indeed what happens, it calls into question our purported basis for passing on Xabi.
In any event, I’d love if we could bring in an SD who will sit in the role for a few years and see out a longterm strategy. We are in a vital transitional period and it is important to have a leader who sees the vision and implements it.
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Richard Hughes
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To be honest I don’t care that much regarding the sporting director, all that matters is that they provide the tools, whilst in post for the manager to be successful.
The main thing is getting the choice of manager, the transfer of players is more a team collaboration in identifying the players rather than one persons sole job.
We are now worrying about Sporting Director’s leaving?
Not to understate their importance, but common…
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Who was the one who showed Iraola around? Forget his name, but he seemed like the new Sporting Director in waiting.
Part of me doesn’t like all the churn at the club. Another part of me wants to rest in the Shanks trifecta - manager/players/fans. (I know we have a head coach!)
Suits come and go. Liverpool remains.
I think someone said he’s the assistant sporting director. If so, it’s David Woodfine. I’m guessing he’ll be promoted when Hughes goes.
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While Shankly spoke once or twice a bit dismissively about the directors, the thing is that he enjoyed, after an initial turbulent spell, an exceptional period of stability and sense of purpose at directors level. Of course, the sixties-seventies can’t be compared with our time, as there are such gigantic amounts of money in play now, but still: stability, and most importantly, quality at owners and directors level is paramount for sustainable success.
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That’s what we could sense all along. No surprise, but it’s still a bit concerning, and I wonder if it’s the fall of the first domino piece, leading also to Hughes’ departure.
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yeah some folks have been saying there was conflict in the background, so not surprised he is out
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Arsed.
About fucking time after last years debacle
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With Klopp about to become German manager there really is only one person qualified to be be replacing both of them…
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Good riddance. Treated by some as a God like figure who can never do anything wrong.
All those responsible for last season’s debacle must be held accountable.
Next up Hughes please !!!
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