Liverpool appoint Gary McAllister as first team coach

Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of former player Gary McAllister as first-team coach.

McAllister played for the Reds from 2000 until 2002 and he will now work under boss Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers told the club’s website: "Gary has a special connection with this club and its supporters, and I'm delighted he is joining our team as first-team coach.

"When I met him I was struck by his passion, enthusiasm and knowledge for what we're looking to achieve here.

"He has experience coaching at the highest level and is someone who can connect with players and help them learn from his knowledge and understanding of representing this great club."

McAllister said: "I'm delighted. I'm really excited about the prospect of coming back. It's fantastic and I'm really looking forward to it.

"I feel as if I owe Liverpool, getting that opportunity at the last stage of my career, at 35 and getting that opportunity.

"This is similar, I feel the same as I did with that - that was a surprise phone call back then when I was given a chance to come and play at Liverpool as a 35-year-old.

"Right place at the right time - and I just hope it repeats itself. A lot of hard work and dedication... everything is there, Liverpool is a club where you can win things - that's a fact."

After leaving Anfield in 2002, McAllister became player-manager at Coventry City, before becoming Leeds United boss in 2008.

He then coached at Middlesbrough, before moving to Aston Villa where he was assistant to Gerard Houllier, the man who signed him for Liverpool.

"I'm looking forward to working with the players," he added. "There have been some exciting signings and there are some fantastic players already at the club.”