Topic: The Men in Suits behind the scenes

[ThePeetmix]

I'm glad we're giving Klopp the power at the club he needs. FSG could have brought him in and forced him in to their way of doing things. But they've been smart and let him get on with it the way he wants to.

So if Klopp is happy with this appointment, then i'm delighted. It's basically how it should be when any big name manager comes in.

[Ocean Red]

Off topic a bit. But with this news and about the anfield road end talk, do you lot think this talk of Chinese investment/ takeover is dead in the water? Jonathan Norcroft said we should hear more by September but nothing new has been said. It's Gone well quiet on that.

[Dim Glas]

aargh so you mean similar to a Director of football.

So when Kenny left it was a good job Comolli was around to smooth over the transition period.

if it's done right, it works well, as it does in clubs all over Europe. So hopefully that'll be the case here.

I'm glad they are doing something progressive like this while the right man is in charge to help it work, ie someone who's worked in this manner at 2 different clubs very succesfully.

[Billy Elliot]

Off topic a bit. But with this news and about the anfield road end talk, do you lot think this talk of Chinese investment/ takeover is dead in the water? Jonathan Norcroft said we should hear more by September but nothing new has been said. It's Gone well quiet on that.

It was one of those speculative guesses that you're supposed to forget about.  Only supposed to remember if it happens to come true so The Times can tell you, you heard it from them first.

Like, I'll do now.  The Chinese will be looking to invest in Leeds by the end of the season and you'll hear about it from me first.  If it happens I'll be bumping this back up.

[Eeyore]

if it's done right, it works well, as it does in clubs all over Europe. So hopefully that'll be the case here.

I'm glad they are doing something progressive like this while the right man is in charge to help it work, ie someone who's worked in this manner at 2 different clubs very succesfully.

I agree mate I have made no secret of the fact that I think it is the way forward to have a DoF/Sporting director.

Ideally though you would choose someone with a good track record as a Dof/Sporting director and you would appoint them prior to appointing a manager/head coach. So they have a vested interest in ensuring the manager/head coach is successful.

Hopefully Klopp is here for a very long time and Edwards can grow into the role.

[God's Left Peg]

As long as it's what Klopp wants he has my backing

Yep. Other than that...

Arsed.

[Kopenhagen]

if it's done right, it works well, as it does in clubs all over Europe. So hopefully that'll be the case here.

I'm glad they are doing something progressive like this while the right man is in charge to help it work, ie someone who's worked in this manner at 2 different clubs very succesfully.

It's been working well for us already, though - our director is just a 'directorate,' and all clubs have 'transfer committees.' Only difference is that Edwards is now going to be doing contract negotiations.

There's really nothing much to discuss.

[Chris~]

I agree mate I have made no secret of the fact that I think it is the way forward to have a DoF/Sporting director.

Ideally though you would choose someone with a good track record as a Dof/Sporting director and you would appoint them prior to appointing a manager/head coach. So they have a vested interest in ensuring the manager/head coach is successful.

Hopefully Klopp is here for a very long time and Edwards can grow into the role.

Edwards was part of what was our DOF/SD structure though and from the sounds of it already worked on some transfers this summer. Edwards already knows Klopp, the squad strengths/weakensses, the people he'll be working with at all levels. Bringing someone from the outside would mean they'd have to learn all of those which could take time as well. Also not sure why he'd want Klopp to fail.

[Redman0151]

Just remembering back to the times when Rodgers had Gerrard texting Toni Kroos when he was negotiating with Real to see if he'd be interested to come here. Glad the club's moved forward

[CraigDS]

Edwards was part of what was our DOF/SD structure though and from the sounds of it already worked on some transfers this summer. Edwards already knows Klopp, the squad strengths/weakensses, the people he'll be working with at all levels. Bringing someone from the outside would mean they'd have to learn all of those which could take time as well. Also not sure why he'd want Klopp to fail.

And just as important, Klopp already knows Edwards.

[Dim Glas]

I agree mate I have made no secret of the fact that I think it is the way forward to have a DoF/Sporting director.

Ideally though you would choose someone with a good track record as a Dof/Sporting director and you would appoint them prior to appointing a manager/head coach. So they have a vested interest in ensuring the manager/head coach is successful.

Hopefully Klopp is here for a very long time and Edwards can grow into the role.

yep!

Obviously with us, it had to happen after Kloppo arrived, being as the previous manager didn't want that arrangment (although if they where serious about it, it shouldnt have been his choice, but that's not for this thread!), but I do totally agree with you regards the experience part for sure. 

I guess they wanted to get a guy familiar with the club and settled here, rather than go for someone from a different league altogether who may not settle long term.  Plus the manager knows him now, and works well with him.

But I think it'll be fine, we are as settled and stable a club as there is at this moment I believe, so if there's ever a good time to do this, it's now.

[kennedy81]

Only 37? Jesus christ what am I doing with my life.

If Klopp's happy, I'm happy. I presume it'll give him more time to work with the team. For the first time in years, it really feels like we're getting all our ducks in a row and there's a cohesive and effective plan in place.

Best of luck to him.

[Eeyore]

yep!

Obviously with us, it had to happen after Kloppo arrived, being as the previous manager didn't want that arrangment (although if they where serious about it, it shouldnt have been his choice, but that's not for this thread!), but I do totally agree with you regards the experience part for sure. 

I guess they wanted to get a guy familiar with the club and settled here, rather than go for someone from a different league altogether who may not settle long term.  Plus the manager knows him now, and works well with him.

But I think it'll be fine, we are as settled and stable a club as there is at this moment I believe, so if there's ever a good time to do this, it's now.

Agree completely now is the perfect time.

For me I think Edwards is unlikely be a Sporting Director in the full sense of the term until Klopp leaves so it makes perfect sense to bring in a someone who will be around the right age when Klopp leaves in a decade or two (fingers crossed).

The last thing we need right now is a high profile Sporting Director and a possible power struggle. The perfect scenario is Klopp to build an empire in the way Shanks did.

[SamAteTheRedAcid]

Agree completely now is the perfect time.

Came in this thread for Al555's hot take on this news, expected a conspiracy theory about FSG, left disappointed

[Mactavish]

Of interest here might be an article by Tomkins as a rebuttal to Neil Ashton's attempted hatchet job on Michael Edwards last season;


https://tomkinstimes.com/2015/10/liverpool-need-to-stay-out-of-the-dark-ages/

I get that Neil Ashton is a complete bell whiffer but you'll do well to find anything balanced from Tomkins regarding FSG as he is JWH's boy. To put that into perspective JWH follows 25 people on Twitter and Tomkins is one of them.

[CraigDS]

I get that Neil Ashton is a complete bell whiffer but you'll do well to find anything balanced from Tomkins regarding FSG as he is JWH's boy. To put that into perspective JWH follows 25 people on Twitter and Tomkins is one of them.

Maybe I just like his articles.

[rscanderlech]

Just remembering back to the times when Rodgers had Gerrard texting Toni Kroos when he was negotiating with Real to see if he'd be interested to come here. Glad the club's moved forward

Now it's Henderson texting Kroos.

Wait a minute, Rodgers tried to sign kroos? What was he smoking?

[Mactavish]

Maybe I just like his articles.

So do I for the most part. Not sure what point you're trying to make.

[CraigDS]

So do I for the most part. Not sure what point you're trying to make.

The joke went over your head I think mate 

[Chris~]

The joke went over your head I think mate 

Everyone knows knows your follows are  full of Harley Davidson fan pages.

[CraigDS]

Everyone knows knows your follows are  full of Harley Davidson fan pages.

That and custom leather chap makers 

[TomDcs]

Just think... How much of a big response this thread would have had by now a year ago... Two or Three years ago? That simple fact alone is pretty big. The club, with Jurgen in charge, is a much more stable one. The fact Klopp is able to come out and categorically state he has final say on all transfers is massive progress, and puts to bed any potential future mummerings to bed.

[King Klopp.]

Just remembering back to the times when Rodgers had Gerrard texting Toni Kroos when he was negotiating with Real to see if he'd be interested to come here. Glad the club's moved forward

Really is mental that.

'Alright Toni lad, Steve Gerrard here, I was the best midfielder in the world a few years ago, fancy joining Liverpool instead of Real Madrid because of that?'

[Dim Glas]

by the way, I hope to goodness this guy isn't going to start sitting in the dug out, like sporting directors do in Germany. That'd just be a bit too much. 

[CraigDS]

Just think... How much of a big response this thread would have had by now a year ago... Two or Three years ago? That simple fact alone is pretty big. The club, with Jurgen in charge, is a much more stable one. The fact Klopp is able to come out and categorically state he has final say on all transfers is massive progress, and puts to bed any potential future mummerings to bed.

to be honest Rodgers said it pretty emphatically on two occasions, but it didn't stop the constant mentions of it. If we go through a bad bit of form, or make some questionable signings then it'll be said again!

Really is mental that.

'Alright Toni lad, Steve Gerrard here, I was the best midfielder in the world a few years ago, fancy joining Liverpool instead of Real Madrid because of that?'

It's not that mental. You'd assume Gerrard had his details to contact him, or at least had some previous communication with him, it happens all the time between players with them making contact just to see if they'd be interested.

[TomDcs]

to be honest Rodgers said it pretty emphatically on two occasions, but it didn't stop the constant mentions of it. If we go through a bad bit of form, or make some questionable signings then it'll be said again!

Take your point but very much doubt it, Klopp and Rodgers are different managers and men, and where Rodgers made a point of trying to assure everyone (including himself) of his power at LFC, Klopp simply doesn't have to. He's just been given a massively long contract and the complete support of the owners, there's literally no way he hasn't been fully supportive of this appointment. Add that to the fact he's always said he's open to working with a sporting director... For most things at LFC I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that history would repeat itself but it finally feels like we are moving on.

[Schmidt]

to be honest Rodgers said it pretty emphatically on two occasions, but it didn't stop the constant mentions of it. If we go through a bad bit of form, or make some questionable signings then it'll be said again!

Rodgers used to say very different things 'off the record' though if some journalists are to be believed, hence it being known that certain signings were pushed by Rodgers while others were by the TC.

The fact that Klopp has been here through two transfer windows without even the slightest hint of conflict in that area of the club suggests that either Klopp has more control than Rodgers did or he has the same amount of control but is more content with his involvement than Brendan ever was.

[CraigDS]

Take your point but very much doubt it, Klopp and Rodgers are different managers and men, and where Rodgers made a point of trying to assure everyone (including himself) of his power at LFC, Klopp simply doesn't have to. He's just been given a massively long contract and the complete support of the owners, there's literally no way he hasn't been fully supportive of this appointment. Add that to the fact he's always said he's open to working with a sporting director... For most things at LFC I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that history would repeat itself but it finally feels like we are moving on.

No I agree what Klopp said is true and he's fully supportive of this, as well as having final say. Just pointing out that some fans will still say he doesn't have final say (committee signings, etc) if we go through a rough patch or have a bad window.

[TomDcs]

No I agree what Klopp said is true and he's fully supportive of this, as well as having final say. Just pointing out that some fans will still say he doesn't have final say (committee signings, etc) if we go through a rough patch or have a bad window.

You can never second guess a fan base as passionate and reactive as ours, but look at the comments from Klopp recently about the academy and wishing he could just bring them through without signing anyone else, and even our recent net spend stuff. Fine if he doesn't get backed and complains, the fans will (rightfully) have a voice about that, but I can't see another balloteli type situation anytime soon.

[Eeyore]

No I agree what Klopp said is true and he's fully supportive of this, as well as having final say. Just pointing out that some fans will still say he doesn't have final say (committee signings, etc) if we go through a rough patch or have a bad window.

Previously we were getting off the record briefings from both Rodgers and the so called TC about who was the prime mover regarding certain signings. For me the principal reason was that there was a power vacuum within the Club and certain individuals were jostling with each other to enhance their standing in the pecking order.

That has now ended for me for two reasons for me.

1. Klopp is such a huge character that the vacuum has disappeared.

2. Klopp has the character and charisma to pull everyone together and getting them pulling in the same direction.

[CraigDS]

You can never second guess a fan base as passionate and reactive as ours

Some of our fans jump off the deep end at the mere suggestion of something going on, it's pretty easy to guess some will ignore what Klopp has said today at some point in the future 

Anyway, I'm just being sarky anyway so no point going on about it 

[Schmidt]

Previously we were getting off the record briefings from both Rodgers and the so called TC about who was the prime mover regarding certain signings. For me the principal reason was that there was a power vacuum within the Club and certain individuals were jostling with each other to enhance their standing in the pecking order.

That has now ended for me for two reasons for me.

1. Klopp is such a huge character that the vacuum has disappeared.

2. Klopp has the character and charisma to pull everyone together and getting them pulling in the same direction.

Another big part of it for me is that Klopp's focus is on making the club the most successful it can be, and wants to make use of any staff he can to achieve that. Despite supposedly being a very modern coach, Rodgers seemed to have a very outdated British mentality when it came to managing the club and was more interested in jostling for control than working with what he had.

[The Final Third]

I get that Neil Ashton is a complete bell whiffer but you'll do well to find anything balanced from Tomkins regarding FSG as he is JWH's boy. To put that into perspective JWH follows 25 people on Twitter and Tomkins is one of them.

Yep Tomkins admits as much..in fact he's had to defend himself from far more egregious allegations eg.conspiring in the sacking of Kenny etc. here..

No doubt JWH has sought him out as an advocate and values his input but that he's a FSG stooge by implication is a non sequitur for me. He's at times crticised FSG and yes also defended them against over-the-top criticism..here's just one example that isn't behind a paywall.

Getting back on topic the linked article in my previous post was there to provide some insight into who Edwards is and what his contribution has been to date, that's all.

[Eeyore]

Another big part of it for me is that Klopp's focus is on making the club the most successful it can be, and wants to make use of any staff he can to achieve that. Despite supposedly being a very modern coach, Rodgers seemed to have a very outdated British mentality when it came to managing the club and was more interested in jostling for control than working with what he had.

It is startlingly reminiscent of Shanks.

You need a remarkable level of self confidence and belief in your methods to be prepared to win over the existing people at the Club and not want to bring in your own men and your own signings.

Klopp is just so infectious that he just sweeps everyone along with him. 

[TomDcs]

Some of our fans jump off the deep end at the mere suggestion of something going on, it's pretty easy to guess some will ignore what Klopp has said today at some point in the future 

Anyway, I'm just being sarky anyway so no point going on about it 

Yeah... I think we agree, or something.

[JackWard33]

Everyone's alright with a laptop warrior whose about as much an old school "football man" as your local florist because klopp says it's okay pretty funny
Can't help but muse on the many pointless arguments I've had about the merits of analytics in football. Now we have a sporting director who only knows that and our squad looks extremely efficient for its budget .... can't stop progress

[Chris~]

Everyone's alright with a laptop warrior whose about as much an old school "football man" as your local florist because klopp says it's okay pretty funny
Can't help but muse on the many pointless arguments I've had about the merits of analytics in football. Now we have a sporting director who only knows that and our squad looks extremely efficient for its budget .... can't stop progress

Edwards was a youth player for someone which might be enough to save him from some.

[Eeyore]

Everyone's alright with a laptop warrior whose about as much an old school "football man" as your local florist because klopp says it's okay pretty funny
Can't help but muse on the many pointless arguments I've had about the merits of analytics in football. Now we have a sporting director who only knows that and our squad looks extremely efficient for its budget .... can't stop progress

The Lunatics are no longer running the asylum.

Quite rightly the fella with the proven track record is in charge and above all we have a big hitter driving the Club forward.

No one has ever argued about the use of analytic's. Only a dick head would but that has to be as an input to a proper football person.

[JackWard33]

The Lunatics are no longer running the asylum.

Quite rightly the fella with the proven track record is in charge and above all we have a big hitter driving the Club forward.

No one has ever argued about the use of analytic's. Only a dick head would but that has to be as an input to a proper football person.

Calling them lunatics kind of steps on your post

And there were and are plenty of people who argue agaisnt the use of analytics at the club fans, journos, pundits, podcasters etc etc ... and as soon as we have a transfer that flops we'll be hearing it all again

[jooneyisdagod]

Maybe I just like his articles.

That went well over Mactavish's head, though tbf, he is new on these boards.