PROJECT KIRKBYonce the new training ground and its associated buildings are
complete, the project will provide first-class amenities for our
players and staff.
“It has always been our aspiration to provide a clear pathway
for progression for our youngsters from the club’s Academy to
the first team, and the two facilities are now intrinsically linked.
“We are also extremely proud to be investing in the Knowsley
area to provide improved sports facilities for the community
of Kirkby with the redevelopment of the Eddie McArdle
Community Pitches. Earlier this month we were pleased to
officially hand over the facilities to Knowsley Council to own,
operate and maintain moving forward.
“Work at the training ground is on track for completion
in summer 2020 when we will see the first-team and youth
football operations come together on one site for the first time
in the club’s history.”
Plans were first revealed for the new complex in early 2017,
and though it felt like a wrench for many to see that the Reds
would be leaving Melwood, the fact remained that it was limited
in space and unable to accommodate the club’s longer-term
ambitions.
It will always be remembered, however, as an historic part of
LFC history, having been first acquired in 1950 then developed
extensively by Bill Shankly who called it “a sorry wilderness”
when he was appointed manager in December 1959.
“I really love Melwood but football changes,” said Jürgen
Klopp when the new proposals were announced nearly three
years ago. “We can’t stay like we always were and hope we can
compete with the other clubs. It’s really good that our owners
give us the opportunity to make this big step in the future.
“Twenty five years ago Melwood set the level. In those 25
years a lot of things happened. It’s fantastic but we have no
space for anything... Bringing the Academy and the first team
together is one point but it’s also about improving a lot of
things that we can’t improve here. It will only be good for the
future of the club.”Artist impressions: Liverpool FC/KSS