Liverpool FC Under-23s coach Michael Beale has thanked the club and the people of Liverpool after his departure was confirmed after Tuesday’s game against West Brom.
Beale, who joined the Reds from Chelsea in 2012, is leaving to become assistant manager at Brazilian club Sao Paulo.
A tearful Beale was spotted leaving Prenton Park after the 1-1 draw on Tuesday night, and he posted a message on social media saying his four and a half years with the Reds has been the “best time of my life.”
Beale was promoted to under-21s/23s coach in 2014, and in that time has overseen a host of academy players making their first-team debuts, with Trent-Alexander Arnold, Ovie Ejaria and Ben Woodburn being the latest this season.
Beale wrote:
Wow – What an amazing four and a half years with Liverpool. It has been the best time of my life.
The people of the city are the kindest, most warm hearted people I’ve have ever known.
The job has been a dream come true and the club is everything I hoped it would be.
I have been treated so well by all the staff, players and supporters. For this, all I can say is a huge thank you.
My two children are born and raised in this wonderful city and are both big Liverpool fans. We will be keeping Liverpool as our “home”. Thanks again to everyone that has given me messages of support.
Many of Beale’s Under-23 players, past and present, thanked their outgoing manager on social media:
https://twitter.com/pedrochb68/status/806246689715683328
One of the best coaches I've ever had the pleasure of working with. All the best @MichaelBeale and thank you for everything! ??
— Ryan McLaughlin (@RyanMcL2) December 6, 2016
We was unlucky not to win tonight .i want to say thank you to @MichaelBeale for everything you have done for us . And you will be missed ???
— Cameron Brannagan (@Cameron246bran) December 6, 2016
Good luck in Brazil Mick, wish you all the best, thanks for everything ? @MichaelBeale
— Trent Alexander-Arnold (@trentaa98) December 6, 2016
Gutted to see @MichaelBeale leave, fantastic coach and person in his time with us! Wish him and his family all the best in Sao Paolo ?????? https://t.co/OFkdl8iAPK
— Andy Firth (@andyfirth1996) December 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/coreywhelan1997/status/806253188227747842
Good luck pal… it was a pleasure to work along side you, let's grab a ? next week before you fly off to Brazil ?? #LFC https://t.co/R227137HWW
— Rob Jones (@RobjonesLFC2) December 6, 2016
![ANFIELD, ENGLAND - Friday, August 22, 2014: Liverpool's coach Alex Inglethorpe [C] with former players Rob Jones [L] and Steve McManaman [R] during the Under 21 FA Premier League match against Manchester United at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)](http://thisisanfield.com/wp-content/uploads/140822-009-Liverpool_U21_Man_Utd-1200x766.jpg)
LFC academy director Alex Inglethorpe said:
“Over the last four years I have seen Michael help coach a variety of players across differing age groups. He is a talented coach who has great potential to go on and make his mark within the senior game.
“I believe that Michael has been integral to the development of many of our players who have progressed towards the first team and I would like to wish him and his family every success for the future.”
No replacement for Beale’s role as U23s boss has yet been confirmed, but it could see a reshuffle that would likely involve current U18s boss Neil Critchley moving up. Beale’s departure does, of course, potentially create an opening for Steven Gerrard at the academy.
Best of luck in Brazil, Mick.
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