2 departures, 1 re-arrival already

The season isn’t over yet but already two departures from the club have been confirmed – one expected and one not so expected. The shock news that coach Alex Miller has left to take up a manager’s job in Japan has been softened by reports tonight that former coach Sammy Lee has returned to the Anfield coaching team.

Miller had been at Anfield since 1999 as chief scout appointed by Gerard Houllier and promoted to the coaching staff by Rafa Benitez, working as the club’s first team coach. His departure was confirmed by Benitez on Thursday with Miller becoming manager at J-League side JEF United.

The second departure of the day was confirmation from Benitez that Harry Kewell will be leaving the club in the summer. The less said about that the better in all honesty.

Reports on Thursday night suggest Sammy Lee is set to return to Anfield with Benitez requiring new coaching staff following Miller, and Pako Ayesteran’s departure earlier in the season. Lee was sacked as Bolton manager last year shortly after being promoted from assistant to Sam Allardyce. He left Liverpool when Benitez joined the club to take up a position with the England national team.

A former Liverpool player from 1976 to 1986, Lee worked as both reserve coach and first team coach under Roy Evans and then Gerard Houllier. A firm fans favourite he would be welcomed back at Anfield and has been at many games this season, including the reserves’ Championship win on Wednesday night.