Liverpool have, according to numerous reports today, parted company with academy directors Rodolfo Borrell and Frank McParland.
The news has been seen as a huge shock, with Spaniard Borrell in particular being very highly-rated and having only been promoted to his role of academy technical director earlier this year.
Many fans have speculated that recently appointed under 18s coach Neil Critchley, formerly academy director at Crewe Alexander’s impressive academy, will replace Borrell.
No point in speculating why McParland & Borrell have been sacked. Only Liverpool themselves can explain that.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) November 21, 2013
I was worried this day was coming as soon as Borrell moved up to Academy Director. He has never hidden his ambition to become a DoF…
— Michael Sweeting (@M_Sweeting) November 21, 2013
Segura, Borrell & McParland took our Academy from the dark ages – it's now as good as any in England. Thank you to all of them.
— Michael Sweeting (@M_Sweeting) November 21, 2013
Not interested in politics or speculation on RB/FM. People quit or get sacked all the time. All that matters is where we go from here #LFC
— Dan Kennett (@DanKennett) November 21, 2013
@thisisanfield I thought Borrell did a great job turning our youth setup around in the past few years. McParland not so much
— LFC Queensland (@LFC_QLD) November 21, 2013
With Borrell and MacParland going at #LFC, can we assume a promotion for Neil Critchley?
— Matt Ladson (@mattladson) November 21, 2013
You only have to look at the #LFC Academy now compared to 4 years ago to appreciate the great job Frank McParland did. Had the club at heart
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) November 21, 2013
Shame to see Rodolfo go, always been impressed and he hated political goings on at the academy.
— Thomas Fairclough (@Tom_fairclough9) November 21, 2013
Guardian claim sackings are part of a youth system 'overhaul'. Very doubtful. Club will stay on the same track – with different personnel.
— Michael Sweeting (@M_Sweeting) November 21, 2013
I'm gonna guess that Rodolfo goes to City to work with his mates, Head of Academy possibly. McParland perhaps to work for City's MLS team.
— Dave Hendrick (@DaveHendrickTLW) November 21, 2013