Michael Edwards breaks silence on Liverpool return and appointing new Reds boss
Michael Edwards says he can't wait to get started after Fenway Sports Group appointed him as their new CEO of football, a role which will see him leading the search for Liverpool's new manager.
FSG announced the appointment in a statement on Tuesday, with Edwards returning to the club two years after he left as sporting director, but in a senior role within FSG as a whole. He will lead the search for the replacement for Jurgen Klopp, who will stand down at the end of the season.
Edwards will also head up a new multi-club model within the group, with FSG seeking to "acquire and oversee an additional club" in the near future.
"I am very grateful to Mike [Gordon], John [Henry], Tom [Werner] and the ownership group for offering me the opportunity to take on this new leadership role within FSG," Edwards said. "I was humbled by the desire and persistence they showed in wanting to work with me again. This is definitely not something I can take for granted given their track record across sport and business.
"It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigour and energy. In practice, this means having fresh challenges and opportunities.
Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected
Edwards will oversee the search for Jurgen Klopp's replacement (Getty Images)"As such, one of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club, growing this area of their organisation. I believe that to remain competitive, investment and expansion of the current football portfolio is necessary.
"With Liverpool FC, I will oversee the required reinforcement of football operations, with a number of essential leadership positions needing urgent attention. I know from personal experience what a wonderful job Mike Gordon has done with day-to-day oversight on behalf of his fellow owners.
"Going forward I'm looking forward to working with FSG's Board of Managers. Also, in assuming this role, I fully understand that it comes with great expectations, and I therefore intend to identify, hire, and subsequently empower leaders who meet and embody the club's values and ambitions.
"Having served the club previously I need no reminder of how much emotional investment is made by supporters in the city itself, as well as across the UK and the world. I am looking forward to getting started."
Edwards, right, with former assistant Julian Ward (trainingground.guru)FSG president Mike Gordon said: "Michael is one of the most formidable executive talents in world football, and John, Tom and I are absolutely thrilled to have secured his services for our business. He returns to us in a role with greater seniority than he held previously and with a wider remit. It was clear when we initially reached out to him that a broader scope would be a key motivating factor for any potential return to the industry. In this regard - and many others - his ambitions matched ours."
Edwards will leave his role as an advisor for sports management business Ludonautics, headed by ex-Liverpool Director of Research Ian Graham, who he had advised since its launch last year.
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