Steven Gerrard: Liverpool confirm Anfield legend as new U18s manager ahead of 2017/18 season

Liverpool have confirmed that Steven Gerrard will take over as the Reds' Under-18s manager for the 2017/18 season.

The former midfielder ended his playing career last November and took a full-time role of academy coach at Liverpool in February. The Merseyside club saw Michael Beale step down from his position as their Under-23 manager in December to become the first team assistant manager at Sao Paulo.

Neil Critchley, the current Liverpool Under-18 manager, will be promoted as the new Under-23 manager next season, allowing Gerrard to fill in his position for the next season.

A statement read on Liverpool's official website read: "Liverpool Football Club can confirm Steven Gerrard will be appointed as manager of the U18s team ahead of the 2017-18 season."

Gerrard decided to take the role after holding talks with the Reds' academy director Alex Inglethorpe. The Anfield favourite also heaped praise on Critchley for his work with the current Liverpool Under-18s and backed him to achieve success with the Under-23 side.

"I have really enjoyed my time at the Academy so far and feel I have learnt a lot from the coaching staff here already. After speaking to Alex [Inglethorpe], we feel as though it is time for me to step up and manage my own team," Gerrard told Liverpool's official website.

"Neil has done a fantastic job with the U18s, so I hope I can continue where he left off, encouraging and nurturing players into the U23s and eventually the first-team setup."

The ex-England captain left Liverpool in 2015 and made a switch to Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy. He made 710 appearances for his boyhood club over a period of 17 years and has 186 goals to his name.