Jay Kops top job as a mentor
JAy SpeARInG will return to Liverpool this week as part of a growing trend of experienced players mentoring young talent.
Once League Two Tranmere Rovers decided to release the 33-year-old, who started under Kenny Dalglish in the 2012 FA
Cup Final defeat against Chelsea, Liverpool invited him to join the club’s youth set-up – but with a difference.
In addition to being a hands-on coach with the Under-18s, the midfielder will feature for the U-23s in premier League 2 as one of the three over-age players allowed.
In an effort to broaden youth team knowledge, clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United have turned to players nearing the end of their careers, but with coaching qualities, to play alongside the promising kids.
Last season, United signed former Republic of Ireland central defender paul McShane, at the age of 35, to coach and play in their U-23s side to help develop the raw talent. It
was a role he enjoyed. “It’s about getting across the intensity needed to play professional football at a high level,” he explained.
“Actually being involved alongside them in games can definitely help get the message across.
“Afterwards, you can talk openly with them and point out how they might have done certain things better. There’s an instant respect when they see you can carry out what is expected on the field.”
It is that knowledge and the ability to mentor which Liverpool hope to tap into with Spearing so he assists careers of young players on the threshold of the first-team squad, such as Kaide Gordon and Tyler Morton.
Reds youth director Alex Inglethorpe said: “Jay has played in all four divisions and that will help our young players. He is also someone who lives and breathes the club.”