Stevie glee after Reds secure star

STEVEN GERRARD has accepted a role to work with Liverpool’s academy and bring through the next generation of stars.

The legendary captain has taken the advice of Kop manager Jurgen Klopp and opted for a low-key role – rather than begin the next part of his glittering football career under the glare of the first-team spotlight alongside the German, or at another club.

Both Klopp and the Anfield hierarchy see Gerrard as a future Liverpool manager, and helping to bring through some of the club’s bright youngsters is the first step towards that goal.

Gerrard himself is a product of the youth set-up which produced stars including Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and latest kid on the block Ben Woodburn.

The former England ace announced his retirement as a player last month following an 18-month spell with LA Galaxy in America’s MLS.

He has turned down a number of opportunities, including taking over as manager of League One side MK Dons. He was also offered a lucrative contract to continue playing in Italy’s Serie A with AC Milan – but instead, at the age of 36, he has decided to call time on his days as one of the country’s finest midfielders.

Gerrard (above) is determined to make as big an impact as a manager in the future as he has as one of the country’s most influential players.

There has been constant dialogue between Klopp and Gerrard over the past few months and the encouragement offered by the Liverpool manager has helped make up the former England captain’s mind as he pored over a number of options.

It is a great coup for the Merseysiders, who were keen to lure Gerrard back following his spell in the USA.

Gerrard, whose highlight was lifting the Champions League trophy in 2005, played 710 times for the club and was desperate to help bring the top-flight title to Anfield for the first time since 1990.

Now he could have the chance to do that as their manager.