Tommy Elphick: Iraola’s assistant ‘will be a manager’ but not before he’s made his mark on Liverpool

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Liverpool are set to finalise the appointment of Tommy Elphick as Andoni Iraola’s assistant coach despite a late attempt from Burnley to hijack the deal.Elphick had been backed to join Iraola in swapping Bournemouth for the Reds this summer, but a delay had led to some concern that things may have been derailed.As journalist Alex Crook revealed on Friday night, though, the former centre-back will complete his move to Anfield, even turning down an offer from Burnley for the top job at Turf Moor along the way. Which former Liverpool player do you want to see on Andoni Iraola’s coaching staff?

Both are free and available… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC Elphick rejects chance to become a managerElphick has already had one offer to step up from being a number two to a number one this summer, but he ultimately rejected Bristol City.It soon became clear why, with the boyhood Liverpool supporter deemed likely to follow Iraola to Anfield.As Crook posted on X, Burnley also made a last-ditch effort to appoint the 38-year-old, after their hiring of Craig Bellamy fell through this week. But according to the journalist, though Elphick ‘will be a manager’ one day, he is set to continue in his capacity as assistant to Iraola.“Understand Burnley made a play for Tommy Elphick,” Crook said.

“Deal to join Iraola at Liverpool too far down the line but has had a lot of interest this summer and will be a manager in the future.”Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Liverpool could lose big money because of Man City’s 115 charges trial as £150m view emergesShaun Cooper set to join Elphick and Iraola at LiverpoolAs well as taking Elphick from Bournemouth, Iraola had reportedly been keen to link back up with Shaun Cooper at Liverpool as well.And according to Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam, both Elphick and Cooper have now agreed their terminations with the Cherries and are all set to complete their arrivals on Merseyside.“Bournemouth coaches Tommy Elphick & Shaun Cooper have agreed deals to leave the club and are now set to join Andoni Iraola at Liverpool,” McAdam posted on X.“Both needed to agree terminations before being allowed to leave, this has now happened – LFC deals will be signed this weekend.”The journalist, who covers Bournemouth closely, went on to describe the pair as ‘exceptional coaches’ who will now take the next step of their respective careers with the Reds. Elphick in particular is clearly one to watch, and though he appears destined to leave for a managerial role at some stage, he will surely relish the chance to sit in the dugout at Anfield first.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox