Promotions for Ayre and Comolli

Liverpool have confirmed that Ian Ayre has been appointed as the club’s new managing director, while Damien Comolli has been promoted to a role as director of football.

Merseyside-local Ayre has been at Anfield since the summer of 2007 in the position of commercial director, but he has now been named the successor to Christian Purslow, who stepped down in late October last year.

Ayre has impressed Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG), principal owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner, who completed their takeover of the Premier League side in the autumn, sufficiently after an in-depth search process.

FSG’s focus will now be set on reaching an agreement regarding the future of manager Kenny Dalglish, with discussions over a permanent contract reportedly taking place, but Henry is pleased with the latest developments.

The American told Liverpool’s official website: “Ian has enormous experience gained from his work in the sports and media businesses over the past 15 years and we are delighted today to announce this significant appointment.

“We conducted an extensive recruitment search and met with outstanding candidates who sought this role but in the end, after having worked with Ian and other top executives within the club, we realised that Ian had all of the attributes necessary to lead the club forward.”

Henry added: “But importantly, Ian is also from Liverpool and understands the relationships between the club, the supporters and the city. He will play a key role in all of our future plans.”

Proud

Ayre is relishing the opportunity and hopes to help the club continue to build their commercial projects and revenue.

He said: “John and Tom have a clear vision for rebuilding the club and bringing back success and I’m delighted to be able to help shape that future.

“It is a very proud moment for myself and my family and I am honoured to be given the opportunity.”

Comolli, meanwhile, will now work under the title of director of football, having operated as director of football strategy since arriving in November 2010.

Henry said: “In the short time that Damien has been at the club, he has impressed us greatly with his knowledge of the sport, his work ethic and his incisive intelligence.

“He is a clear thinker and understands exactly what is needed to form a long-term, consistent approach with the philosophy we all share here.

“He has a track record of identifying young talent and has already made significant contributions to the first team and Academy.

Progress

“Damien played a leading role in our January transfer window activity with the recruitment of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll. These two additions will play a significant role in the future of the club.

“All of us at Liverpool football club who have been working on a day-to-day basis with Damien believe he will be a key contributor for many, many years here as we build a football operation second to none.”

There was some scepticism surrounding the appointment of Comolli in the autumn, but he is pleased with the progress and is looking forward to continuing the rebuilding process at Anfield.

He said: “I’m delighted to have been offered this promotion and very proud that I am going to be able to make significant contributions to the development of this great club.

“It has been an exciting five months and I think all of us recognise that we have made a great deal of progress in many different areas.

“However, there is a lot of hard work ahead and with the backing of our owners and their commitment to the club, I’m confident we will get it right.”

Henry added: “With these key appointments today, the future of Liverpool football club is in very good hands.

“Tom and I are extraordinarily excited to be working with Ian and Damien as we do the things that must be done to move the club forward in the 21st century.”