{
  "id": 9949601,
  "title": "Ward ‘delighted’ as his return to Liverpool as sporting director is confirmed",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/ward-delighted-as-his-return-to-liverpool-as-sporting-director-is",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T09:10:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ward-delighted-return-liverpool-sporting-091000277.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Julian Ward expressed his delight at being confirmed as Liverpool's new sporting director, taking up the role with immediate effect. The former technical director at Fenway Sports Group returned to Anfield after a more than 14-year association with the club, which began in 2012. Ward's extensive experience within Liverpool, including positions such as European scouting manager, director of loan player management, and sporting director, made him a top choice for the position. FSG president Mike Gordon expressed his delight in Ward's appointment, highlighting his vast experience in the football industry and Liverpool specifically. Ward's appointment is seen as a continuation of the long-standing relationship between the club and Ward, which has significantly benefited Liverpool. The new sporting director expressed his excitement to return to his role at Anfield, emphasizing the importance of building upon the club's existing foundations. He stressed that this is an exciting period for Liverpool both on and off the pitch, with change and opportunity complementing the club's strong cultural values and principles. Ward sees his role as both a responsibility and a privilege, with the goal of maximizing performance while promoting the ongoing development of players and staff at Liverpool.",
  "summary": "Liverpool have appointed Julian Ward as the club’s new sporting director, with the former Fenway Sports Group technical director taking up the role with immediate effect.Ward returns to a senior pos...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Julian Ward must sanction surprise Liverpool transfer for 'world-class' star",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/julian-ward-must-sanction-surprise-liverpool-transfer-for-world-class",
        "published": "2026-09-26T06:05:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Ward appointed Liverpool's sporting director",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/ward-appointed-liverpools-sporting-director",
        "published": "2026-09-26T09:08:17.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Ward appointed Liverpool’s sporting director",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/ward-appointed-liverpools-sporting-director-9965640",
        "published": "2026-09-26T11:00:15.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}