Liverpool Football Club has officially announced the appointment of Simon Wiles as the new head coach for their Under-18s team, a significant move that sees a former Manchester United academy coach join the ranks at Anfield. This strategic hire underscores Liverpool FC’s continued commitment to nurturing young talent and strengthening its renowned youth development system, bringing in a highly regarded figure from a rival club’s setup.
Simon Wiles steps into the pivotal role previously held by Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, who concluded a decade-long tenure at Liverpool at the end of last season. Bridge-Wilkinson has since transitioned to an assistant manager position at League One side Huddersfield Town, marking a new chapter for both the departing coach and Liverpool’s youth coaching structure.
In his new capacity, Simon Wiles will collaborate closely with Rob Page, the former Wales manager who recently took charge of Liverpool’s Under-21s team in June. Their combined expertise is expected to foster a cohesive and progressive pathway for the club’s emerging stars. Wiles will also receive direct support from the established Under-18s assistant manager, Anthony Ryan, ensuring a seamless transition and robust academy football environment.
Liverpool academy director Alex Inglethorpe expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, “Simon is a highly regarded young coach and I’m delighted he’s agreed to take a key role within the academy as lead for the Under-18s group.” This endorsement highlights the club’s confidence in Wiles’ abilities to oversee the crucial developmental stage of its promising young footballers.
Before embarking on his football management career, Simon Wiles had a professional playing career that saw him represent various clubs, including Blackpool, Macclesfield Town, Dunfermline Athletic, and Barrow. His time on the pitch was unfortunately cut short by injury, a common hurdle for many athletes but one that often paves the way for a transition into coaching, leveraging firsthand experience.
His Premier League coaching journey began at non-league side Bamber Bridge as an assistant before he moved to Fleetwood Town, then a League One club. At Fleetwood, Wiles held multiple significant roles, including Under-18s head coach and first-team coach. His tenure culminated in a brief period as interim manager of the first team following Joey Barton’s departure in January 2021, showcasing his leadership capabilities.
Following his spell at Fleetwood, Simon Wiles joined Salford City in July 2022 as a first-team coach, where he once again found himself in interim charge in September 2023. These experiences provided him with valuable exposure to senior team dynamics and leadership, further honing his skills in high-pressure football management scenarios.
Most recently, Simon Wiles served as lead-coach for Manchester United’s Under-14s team, a role he commenced last September. His departure from Old Trafford for an elevated position at Anfield mirrors the career paths of other notable coaches like Justin Cochrane and Paul McShane, underscoring the dynamic movement of talent within top-tier Premier League coaching and youth development circles.”
