There’s been a lot of talk about assistant managers at Liverpool recently after Colin Pascoe saw his time at the club come to a conclusion, with Sean O’Driscoll looking set to take over as Brendan Rodgers’ right-hand man.
So I decided to take a look at the some of the assistant managers that graced the Anfield turf in years gone by.
Colin Pascoe – 2012-2015
The Welshman was given the opportunity to come to Liverpool when Brendan Rodgers was given the manager’s job.
Having been united with Rodgers at Swansea City, the Ulsterman did not want to part ways with him.
Pascoe even took charge of a match against Queens Park Rangers in December 2012 when Rodgers was unwell.
But Pascoe paid the price, along with coach Mike Marsh, after a poor 2014-15 season. He was relieved of his duties in which was apparently a mutual decision between Rodgers and the board.
Steve Clarke – 2011-2012
Kenny Dalglish brought Clarke in after he became the manager of Liverpool for the second time.
Clarke had previously worked with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and won numerous trophies. He was well known for his work the defensive side of the game having been an international defender himself.
The two Scots turned Liverpool’s season around as they won the League Cup and finished as runners-up in the FA Cup.
But after Dalglish was sacked, Clarke offered his resignation.
Sammy Lee – 2008-2011
Lee accumulated a significant number of appearances for Liverpool in his playing career.
After spending some time managing Bolton Wanderers, Rafael Benitez sought after Lee after Pako Ayesteran’s departure.
He was a passionate figure amongst the Liverpool backroom staff and even got sent off once against Tottenham Hotspur.
Lee left Liverpool in June 2011.
Pako Ayesteran 2004-2007
When Rafael Benitez took charge of Liverpool, his aid Ayesteran moved to Liverpool with him.
Together, they won a number of trophies including the La Liga with Valencia and the Champions League with the Reds.
He was a man who gave the physical side of the game lot of attention. However, after a disagreement with Rafa during the 2007-08 campaign, the Spaniard was placed on gardening leave for a period, before leaving for Benfica.
He has been linked with a return to Liverpool recently.
Phil Thompson 1998-2004
Thompson is another ex-Liverpool player to take up a managerial role at Anfield.
When Gerard Houllier took sole charge of Liverpool in 1998, he appointed Thomson as his assistant manager.
Whilst Houllier was recovering from heart surgery, the ex-England international took charge for several months.
After Houllier was sacked in 2004, Thompson also left the club and returned to his media duties.
