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A third Liverpool coach has confirmed he is stepping down this summer.

Barry Lewtas will leave his post as head coach of the club’s under-21 side after 12 years working across various roles in the academy setup.

He also oversaw the Reds’ 2019 FA Youth Cup-winning team from which Neco Williams, Vitezslav Jaros, Rhys Williams and Leighton Clarkson graduated to the first team.

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Lewtas’ body of work is further enhanced by the recent Premier League title success seeing more minutes by homegrown players than any other team.

Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah also benefited from the 44-year-old’s tutelage in their time at the Kirkby centre of operations.

But Lewtas is now set to join fellow academy coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson and first-team assistant John Heitinga in preparing to depart Anfield.

He said: “Sometimes you just know the time is right for a new adventure and I really feel the perfect time for me is now.

“Of course, I’m sad to be moving on but I also have 12 wonderful years to look back on, including the last five with the U21s.

“Seeing young players make that next step to the LFC first team or moving on to success elsewhere is hugely satisfying.

“I want to give a massive thanks to all the staff I’ve worked with throughout the age groups, to all the players who have been part of those teams and also to their parents, who are often forgotten about but play such a vital role in making sure their sons can reach their full potential.

“Everything I’ve ever done has been about the team and they have all helped make the journey as special as it has been.

“Now I’m looking forward to being a fan from afar and full of energy and excitement for what comes next.”