BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 14, 2016: Liverpool's U23 manager Michael Beale against Southampton during the Under-23 FA Premier League 2 match at Prenton Park. (Pic by Gavin Trafford/Propaganda)

Liverpool players say thanks to departing U23s coach Michael Beale

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.

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. See you after! —————————————— Uma mensagem pros fãs do São Paulo. Obrigado pelas mensagens e grande apoio do SPFC. Janeiro de 2017, serei um de vocês e estaremos lutando juntos pro São Paulo FC. Mandem pro Rogerio e pros jogadores o vosso apoio e trabalharemos a 110% para fazer vocês felizes. Obrigado

A photo posted by Michael Beale (@michaelbeale4980) on

Many of Beale’s Under-23 players, past and present, thanked their outgoing manager on social media:

https://twitter.com/pedrochb68/status/806246689715683328

https://twitter.com/coreywhelan1997/status/806253188227747842

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)

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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