[James Pearce] Liverpool academy analyst Ray Shearwood departs to join Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq

Liverpool academy analyst Ray Shearwood has left the club to join Steven Gerrard’s backroom staff at Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq.

Shearwood has accepted the opportunity to move to the Middle East following an approach from the Anfield legend.

He had worked at the Kirkby academy for nearly a decade and had been part of the under-21s set-up since November 2020.

He was the club’s under-21s analyst and a valued member of Barry Lewtas’ backroom staff.

Gerrard’s return to management was confirmed earlier this week – nine months after he was sacked by Aston Villa.

The former Liverpool captain initially turned down an offer from Al Ettifaq after travelling to Saudi for talks last month.

However, Gerrard decided to take on the challenge after discussions resumed last week.

Prior to managing Villa, Gerrard had a three-year spell in charge of Rangers, who he led to the Scottish Premiership title in 2020-21.