'BR makes Academy the place to be'
Brendan Rodgers' willingness to give young players an opportunity at first-team level makes Liverpool's Academy set-up the place to be, according to U18s coach Neil Critchley.
Seven aspiring talents from the club's Kirkby youth complex were handed senior debuts by the Northern Irishman during 2012-13, including the likes of newly-established Andre Wisdom.
The manager often attends U18 and U21 matches, and his significant interest in the development of the Reds' Academy groups makes the club an even more attractive prospect claims Critchley.
He explained: "What I know here is that if we produce players of the required standard the manager will put them in. That provides great motivation for all the players and staff working here.
"All the boys know that if you're good enough the manager will give you opportunities. That's not the case at all clubs, especially where a manager is under pressure to get results.
"Brendan has shown he's brave enough to play them. If you're looking at where you would want your nine-year-old boy to be at the moment, Liverpool would have to be right at the top of the tree.
"Brendan takes a massive interest in the Academy. He was here last week and knows all the players. He has great belief in the youth system and that gives us a better chance than most of getting players through."
Critchley was confirmed as the new boss of Liverpool's U18s at the beginning of September, following six years as academy director at Crewe Alexandra, a club renowned for nurturing talent.
"I had been at Crewe all my life and I had no aspirations to leave because I had a really good job," the 34-year-old continued.
"But when Liverpool come calling it's very flattering. Alex Inglethorpe approached me initially and then I met with the manager. I didn't know either of them before.
"The fact that Brendan played a part in me coming here was a massive pull. I think it makes a real statement that Liverpool are willing to give someone like me an opportunity.
"I'm not an ex-Liverpool player, I'm not a name, I've got no international caps, but I do have years of coaching experience.
"When I first arrived, Brendan invited me down to Melwood and I spent a few days watching training. To be alongside him, Colin Pascoe, Mike Marsh and John Achterberg was a great bedding-in period for me.
"I'm loving being here and the boys have been very receptive to the work. The U18s are a talented group but they're not the finished article.
"It's my job to work with them on and off the training pitch to educate and guide them, and make them the best they can be."