When Liverpool re-signed Jay Spearing as an Academy player-coach earlier this month, it was partly with clashes against Football League opposition in mind.
Having seen a number of sides turn to seasoned professionals in their second-string to act as senior role-models and aid with youth development in recent years, the 33-year-old was seen as the perfect former Red to fulfil this inaugural role at the club’s academy.
And as Liverpool’s youngsters fell to a heavy 6-0 defeat against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night, it is easy to see why the Reds felt the need for the creation of such a role. On paper, the midfielder might have made little difference to the scoreline but this is only the start of this innovative new Anfield role.
