ANFIELD, ENGLAND - Friday, August 22, 2014: Liverpool's first team coach Mike Marsh before the Under 21 FA Premier League match against Manchester United at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

“Token gesture”, “the sacrificial lamb” – Liverpool fans react to Mike Marsh dismissal

The news today that Liverpool’s first-team coach Mike Marsh will leave the club this summer has been met with skepticism among supporters and former staff.

HARVARD, USA - Thursday, July 24, 2014: Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers with first team coach Mike Marsh and assistant manager Colin Pascoe during a preseason training session at the Harvard Stadium in Boston on day four of the club's USA Tour. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Marsh, who was promoted to first-team coach in 2012 from his role at the academy, will not have his contract renewed this summer, while assistant manager Colin Pascoe and goalkeeper coach John Achterberg will remain at the club, according to reports on Friday.

Well connected Liverpool reporter Paul Joyce writes that “The decision not to keep Marsh feels cosmetic given he was not responsible for the problems the club endured last season.”

He adds that “It is likely Liverpool will now look to bring in another ex-player to bolster their backroom team.”

The news of Marsh’s departure has been met with skepticism among supporters – and former Liverpool players including Phil Thompson.

https://twitter.com/ImagesofBrendan/status/606589566800297985

geebo in the forums:

Mike Marsh was here when Rodgers came. He wasn’t someone Rodgers hand picked to be part of his team. He came, had a chat with him and reached agreement. Maybe, as Marsh`s contract is up anyway, Rodger`s just wants to bring in his own man. I can accept that as a reason. I don’t thing it has anything to do with the past season and being a scapegoat. Not if the club and the manager see the problems from last year as minimal (compared to the fans).

Bananana Joe in the forums:

Marsh sacked, token gesture to appease the media and supporters. Maybe a decision by the footballing encyclopaedia Mike Gordon, toss the fans a bone to keep them happy.

Zinedine Biscan in the forums:

Sacking Marsh after the season we’ve had is like having the wheels fall off your car and trying to fix it by throwing away the fuzzy dice hanging off the rear view mirror. You have to hope further changes, more central to our current broken way of doing things, are on the way, otherwise I despair.

NEWS: Mike Marsh to leave Liverpool FC

OPINION: 10 questions for FSG