Liverpool appoint new sporting director amid Arsenal and Man City Premier League title race

Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Richard Hughes as their new sporting director. Hughes, who announced his departure as Bournemouth's technical director earlier this month, will officially take up his new role on June 1.

Michael Edwards, recently installed as Fenway Sports Group's chief executive of football, has had a long-standing desire to work with Hughes and they have a professional and personal relationship spanning over 20 years having previously worked together during Hughes' playing career at Portsmouth.

It is being reported that Julian Ward left his role as Liverpool's sporting director last summer Edwards was surprised Hughes was not one of the candidates to be interviewed by club owners FSG. Commenting on his appointment, Hughes told the club's website: «I am incredibly proud to be offered this opportunity. Liverpool FC is a unique club and I'm grateful to be given a chance to serve it in this capacity.

»People rightly talk about the rich history this organisation can boast, but it is the present and future which really excites me. It will be my job, working with Michael and leading the football operations team already in place, plus the wider staff at the AXA Training Centre, to make good decisions.

«That's really what the job entails: you have to make the kind of good decisions which enhance the prospects of having a team that wins and excites the supporters. It is what Liverpool have done well for a very long time and the benefits are there for everyone to see.»

Edwards and Hughes will be key figures as the club transitions from the departure of manager Jurgen Klopp in the summer. Hughes was the driving force behind the appointment of Andoni Iraola as Bournemouth head coach last summer, with the