WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 30, 2011: Aston Villa's assistant manager Gary McAllister during the Premiership match against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Gary McAllister set to be named Liverpool first-team coach after positive talks

Previously reported to have spoken to Brendan Rodgers about joining his backroom staff, reports on Saturday suggest Gary McAllister has been offered a deal.

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 30, 2011: Aston Villa's assistant manager Gary McAllister during the Premiership match against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister is set to be named Liverpool’s new first-team coach after holding positive talks with manager Brendan Rodgers.

That is according to reports from the Liverpool Echo‘s Kristian Walsh on Saturday.

Walsh writes: “The club are reshuffling the set-up of their coaching staff, with Sean O’Driscoll arriving as assistant manager and Pepijn Lijnders moving up from the Academy for the newly created position of first team development coach.

“And now the Scot, who spent two years at Anfield, has accepted the offer to join after talking with Rodgers on Wednesday at Melwood.”

Though McAllister was only with the Reds for two years, after Gerard Houllier signed him at 35, he quickly became a popular figure.

Back in 2000, McAllister spoke of his surprise at making the move.

“It did surprise me when Liverpool came in for me, but I have talked through the specific role that Gerard Houllier wants me to have, and I am more than happy with it,” he said.

That role turned out to be a pivotal one as he helped the Reds to a famous treble in the 2000/01 season.

Prior to his Merseyside heroics, McAllister continued: “If I can offer anything to help the younger players and their development, that’s fine by me.”

This proved to be an understatement, as McAllister’s influence helped mould former Reds captain Steven Gerrard into the well-rounded, all-conquering midfielder that supporters came to idolise.

Having managed Coventry City and Leeds United, as well as serving as first-team coach at Middlesbrough and then assistant manager at Aston Villa, McAllister will bring considering coaching experience with him.

Rodgers will be hoping he can making the same impact on the training field as he did 15 years ago.