Newcastle United will say goodbye to highly-rated backroom member Mark Leyland at the end of the season after Manchester City lured him to the Etihad Stadium.
Leyland, United's coaching analyst, was signed from Liverpool 14 months ago and has been a big factor behind the club's rise to the Champions League places. Yet he will not join Pep Guardiola and City until the end of the current campaign.
The former Everton and Burnley man first worked with Eddie Howe at Turf Moor but has opted for pastures new later this year. Speaking about Leyland, Howe said earlier this season: "Mark has had a big impact. He's played a huge part in what we've done this season.
READ MORE: Nick Pope suspended for Carabao Cup final after Liverpool red card leaving Newcastle in trouble
"He's one of a number of people behind the scenes that have put a tireless amount of work in to try and improve the team. We love him to bits and he's been an integral part of our team."
Jurgen Klopp also had gushing praise for Leyland and said when he left: "They signed one of our analysts (Mark Leyland). For sure, he has played a big part as well."
At Liverpool, Leyland spoke of his job at Anfield and said: "Our job after a game revolves around us breaking down the game into team aspects and individual player aspects relating to the manager’s philosophy."
But at Newcastle, he has been heavily involved with the players and developed even closer relationships. His exit will be deemed a big blow for Howe and co.
READ NEXT
Newcastle vs Liverpool player ratings
Big match verdict as Magpies unbeaten run finally comes to an end
We must "digest" defeat - says Eddie Howe
