DUTCHMAN SEALS REDS MOVE
Tranmere Rovers veteran John Achterberg today spoke of his delight
after being appointed reserve team goalkeeping coach at
Liverpool.
The Dutchman, who turns 38 next month, will join Rafa Benitez's
backroom team in pre-season after more than 10 years and 300
appearances at Rovers.
He will work primarily with the reserves and youth teams under Xavi
Valero's stewardship.
Achterberg said: "This is a dream chance – I need to take it with
both hands.
"It's a massive wrench for me to leave Tranmere after so many years
- the fans there have always been so great to me and hopefully they
always will be.
"I'd like to think the Tranmere fans will understand my move,
however, as I'm joining one of the best clubs in the world.
"A chance like this doesn't come along too often.
"Coaching is the future for myself. I've been doing more and more
of it at Tranmere in recent years and that's where I needed to
progress.
"In the same way you want to play at the best club possible as a
player, you want to do the same as a coach.
"When you hear a whisper that Liverpool might want you there's not
much thinking needed in your decision – you need to do what is best
for yourself."
Achterberg will be reunited at Melwood with former Tranmere
colleague John McMahon, who has left his job as assistant manager
at Shrewsbury Town to replace Gary Ablett as Liverpool's reserve
team manager.
He added: "It will be nice to work with John. I've always got on
really well with him and have a very positive work
relationship.
"I can't wait to start. I've already met Rafa twice and I'll be
speaking to Xavi soon to discuss our plans for training."