Liverpool name former Wigan and Bolton coach as Neil Critchley's replacement

Lewtas now takes charge of the club's Under-23 side, a role Critchley left in March to join Blackpool.

Critchley, who had previously worked at Crewe Alexandra, spent six-and-a-half years on Merseyside.

He twice took charge of the first-team this season in the absence of Jurgen Klopp, overseeing a League Cup defeat at Aston Villa before masterminding a FA Cup win against Shrewsbury Town with a team full of youngsters.

Lewtas, who joined Liverpool in 2013, has previously worked with a variety of age groups at the club's academy before being appointed the Under-18s coach in 2018.

His first year in charge saw the Reds lift the FA Youth Cup and they were enjoying another successful campaign before the current season was ended early.

The 39-year-old worked with Wigan's Centre of Excellence between 2003 and 2007 before taking up an opportunity with Bolton's academy.

He took the Under-18 role in July 2018, replacing club legend Steven Gerrard.

Academy manager Alex Inglethorpe said: "Barry has been at the club for quite a few years now and has progressed through various age groups. This is another step for him.

"He creates a wonderful environment for the players and has struck a good balance between winning games and developing the talent we have.

"More important are his qualities as a person and he's someone who cares passionately about those he works with and is totally dedicated to the game.

"I'm delighted he's accepted the challenge."

With Lewtas stepping up to the Under-23s, Liverpool have also announced the appointment of former Port Vale midfielder Marc Bridge-Wilkinson as the club's new Under-18s coach.

He had previously been working with the Under-16 outfit.