Ambitious Liverpool appoint talent-spotter

Liverpool announced the appointment of former Tottenham sporting director Damien Comolli on Wednesday, as part of their bid to overhaul their recruitment process.

Liverpool are currently battling their way out of the lower reaches of the Premier League and recently manager Roy Hodgson has hit out at the lack of quality in a squad he inherited from predecessor Rafael Benitez.

Frenchman Comolli quit his post at Saint-Etienne on Tuesday, having joined the French first division side after leaving Spurs in October 2008.

His appointment — one of several positive measures that new club owner John Henry has promised — is intended to help the Reds boss boost his squad with the right type of player.

“I am looking forward to working with Damien, whom I have known for many years,” said Hodgson.

“We are engaged in an exciting project here and he will bring a lot to the table.

“We all want to see moves to strengthen the squad and support player development over the next few years. John Henry and I are totally united in delivering on that ambition.”

Comolli added: “I am delighted to be joining Liverpool and look forward to working with John and Roy.

“I think we all realise there is a big job ahead, but we all share the vision that John has for rebuilding the club and bringing back the success that the supporters deserve.”

Henry, the principal of New England Sports Ventures — the club’s new owners — said: “Damien has a proven track-record of identifying exciting young footballing talent and we are delighted that he has agreed to join Liverpool.

“Working closely with Roy Hodgson and the coaching staff, I know he will make a valuable contribution to strengthening the club and the squad as we move forward.

“Today’s announcement is just the first step in creating a leadership group and structure designed to develop, enhance and implement our long-term philosophy of scouting, recruitment, player development and all of the other aspects necessary to build and sustain a club able to consistently compete at the highest level in European football.

“We intend to be bold and innovative. We will not rest until we have restored Liverpool Football Club to the greatness Liverpool fans expect.”