{
  "id": 9995248,
  "title": "Liverpool appoint Ward as new sporting director",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/liverpool-appoint-ward-as-new-sporting-director",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T14:23:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/09/26/liverpool-appoint-ward-as-new-sporting-director"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Liverpool has appointed Julian Ward as their new sporting director, effective immediately. Ward previously held the position of technical director at Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the majority owner of Liverpool. He replaces Richard Hughes, who resigned from the role at the beginning of this month. FSG president Mike Gordon praised Ward's extensive knowledge and expertise, stating that it will greatly benefit the club's football operations and support head coach Andoni Iraola. Ward, who joined Liverpool in 2012 to work on scouting, recruitment, and player development, expressed his appreciation for the position and the club's ambitions. Hughes' departure follows the recent resignation of Michael Edwards as chief executive of football. Under Hughes' leadership, Liverpool made significant signings in the summer transfer window, including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike, for a combined cost of £450 million (US$611 million). During his tenure, former manager Arne Slot guided Liverpool to a record-breaking 20th English league title in the 2024/2025 season. In June, FSG sold a nearly 40% stake in Liverpool to a consortium that includes Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos.",
  "summary": "Julian Ward replaces Richard Hughes, who stepped down from the role at the start of this month.",
  "key_points": [
    "Julian Ward appointed as Liverpool's new sporting director.",
    "Replaces Richard Hughes, who resigned earlier this month.",
    "FSG president Mike Gordon praises Ward's expertise."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-26T10:17:13.000Z"
      },
      {
        "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"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Liverpool appoint Ward as new sporting director",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/liverpool-appoint-ward-as-new-sporting-director-10001437",
        "published": "2026-09-26T14:23:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}