{
  "id": 9958203,
  "title": "Liverpool hires Julian Ward for second spell as sporting director",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/liverpool-hires-julian-ward-for-second-spell-as-sporting-director",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T10:17:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/soccer/2026/09/26/liverpool-hires-julian-ward-for-second-spell-as-sporting-director"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Liverpool has announced the appointment of Julian Ward as sporting director on Saturday, replacing Richard Hughes. Hughes had left to join Saudi club Al-Hilal. Ward previously served as sporting director at the Premier League club during the 2022-23 season and is currently Fenway Sports Group’s technical director.\n\nThe club's president, Mike Gordon, expressed his belief that Ward's knowledge and expertise will enhance Liverpool's football operations. Ward himself stated that this is an exciting period for the club, both on and off the pitch, while emphasizing the continued strength of the club's culture, values, and principles.\n\nWard first joined Liverpool in 2012, working in scouting, recruitment, and player development strategy. The appointment comes as a series of high-ranking executives have recently departed the club, including the recent exit of Michael Edwards as CEO of football for Liverpool owner FSG.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Julian Ward appointed as sporting director at Liverpool",
    "Replaces Richard Hughes, who moved to Al-Hilal",
    "Former sporting director at Liverpool 2022-23 season"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Liverpool bring back Ward as sporting director",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/liverpool-bring-back-ward-as-sporting-director",
        "published": "2026-09-26T10:50:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}