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Barry Lewtas, who left Liverpool's U21s team at the end of last season, has been confirmed as the England U16s head coach on an interim basis until December 2025.
He will also operate as the assistant to Ben Futcher at U20 level, working alongside Tom Huddlestone and goalkeeping coach Adrian Tucker. Liverpool replaced Lewtas with the ex-Wales boss Rob Page. The Reds' U21s take on Leicester City on Monday in their first game of the new season.
Lewtas had been with the Reds for 12 years and was appointed as U21s coach in 2020, taking over from Neil Critchley. He played a significant role in the development of top talents such as Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah and worked alongside Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott.
"Sometimes you just know the time is right for a new adventure and I really feel the perfect time for me is now," Lewtas told Liverpool’s official website as the news of his exit was confirmed at the start of June.
"Of course, I’m sad to be moving on but I also have 12 wonderful years to look back on, including the last five with the U21s. Seeing young players make that next step to the first team or moving on to success elsewhere is hugely satisfying.
"I want to give a massive thanks to all the staff I’ve worked with throughout the age groups, to all the players who have been part of those teams and also to their parents, who are often forgotten about but play such a vital role in making sure their sons can reach their full potential.
"Everything I've ever done has been about the team and they have all helped make the journey as special as it has been. Now I’m looking forward to being a fan from afar and full of energy and excitement for what comes next."
"Barry’s influence has been felt at so many age groups in the Academy and he leaves with our very best wishes," academy director Alex Inglethorpe said.
"Player development is at the forefront of our role and many young players owe him a debt of gratitude for helping them towards first-team football both here at LFC and of course elsewhere in the pyramid.
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"His spell with the U18s brought the club a fourth FA Youth Cup victory in a memorable night in Manchester, while his stewardship of the U21s over the last five years has seen a number of players make their first-team debuts.
"I’d like to thank Barry for everything he has contributed to life at the Academy, both on and off the pitch, and I know everyone at the club will wish him well in his exciting journey to come."
In addition to losing Lewtas, Liverpool also needed a replacement for U18s coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson this summer. He departed at the end of the season to become an assistant at Huddersfield Town.
Bridge-Wilkinson was replaced by the former Manchester United coach Simon Wiles. Liverpool U18s begin their new season on Saturday with a trip to face Stoke City.
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