Former Liverpool vice-captain James Milner has returned to Liverpool to embark on the next chapter of his footballing journey.
After hanging up his boots in the summer, following an illustrious 24-year professional playing career, the 40-year-old has returned to the AXA training facility in Kirkby to work alongside the club’s academy staff.
Milner retired as the all-time record appearance holder in the Premier League, having amassed a total of 658 appearances with seven different clubs.
His eight years at Anfield between 2015 and 2023 established him as a legend amongst supporters and teammates alike. During that period, he lifted seven major honours, including the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Widely-admired throughout his career for his professionalism, a transition into coaching has long appeared the natural progression for the former England international.
The current arrangement with Liverpool is understood to be an informal one. While Milner is not taking up a permanent role in the first-team setup, he is gaining vital hands-on coaching experience across multiple age brackets.
He commenced his duties by taking charge of sessions with Liverpool’s under-11 squad, and is scheduled to rotate through various youth groups over the coming months.
Milner already possesses a notable history of supporting the club’s development pathway. In February 2020, during an FA Cup replay against Shrewsbury Town when senior manager Jurgen Klopp stepped aside for the winter break, Milner attended the match alongside under-23s boss Neil Critchley and delivered an inspiring pre-match team talk to the young side that secured a 1-0 victory.
Later, while finishing his playing days with Brighton, he was invited into technical meetings by head coach Fabian Hurzeler to broaden his tactical understanding.
Having already achieved his UEFA A Licence, Milner is currently getting the practical hours necessary in to complete his UEFA Pro Licence.
His presence delivers immense value to the youngsters at Kirkby, who now have direct access to a professional with more than two decades of top-tier experience.
Whether this informal spell eventually leads to a permanent post at Anfield or launches a managerial venture elsewhere, possibly back at his home club Leeds United, his return represents a tremendous coup for Liverpool’s rising generation.
