Liverpool appoint former West Ham midfielder Gary O’Neil as Under 23s assistant coach

Liverpool have confirmed that Gary O’Neil has been appointed the club’s Under 23s assistant coach.

O’Neil, who played more than 500 games in the Premier League and Championship having played for the likes of Portsmouth, West Ham and Middlesbrough, has taken his first steps into coaching.

O’Neil hung up his football boots last summer after a one-season stint with Bolton and he will now help out newly-appointed boss Barry Lewtas, who was promoted from his role with the Under 18s.

Former midfielder Gary O’Neil has been appointed Liverpool’s Under 23s assistant coach

The 37-year-old had begun working with the Under 23s in training last week and now the move has been made official. 

O’Neil told Liverpool’s official website: ‘It’s been going on for a little while and obviously with the break and the Academy having to take an even longer break than the first team, I’ve had to wait a little while, but now it’s finally come around and I’m really excited and can’t wait to get going.’ 

The former Premier League midfielder then took to Twitter to express his delight at securing the job.

O’Neil will work alongside newly-appointed Under 23s boss Barry Lewtas (pictured, right)

He wrote: ‘Feel extremely grateful and privileged to have been given such an amazing opportunity at such an early stage of my coaching career. 

‘Cannot wait to get going and help our talented squad progress further with their careers!’ 

Speaking about the appointment, Academy manager Alex Inglethorpe said: ‘Gary’s knowledge, experience and passion for the game will help not only the players that he works with but also the staff as well.’ 

O’Neil called time on his playing career after spending one season with Bolton in 2018-19